Scotland 'must build nuclear power stations'

Published on Tuesday 29 March 2011 22:38

SCOTLAND must be "realistic" and build nuclear power stations alongside renewable energy sources as a matter of urgency, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said today as it launched its Holyrood election policy document.

The paper, entitled Going for Growth 2011, argues that while Scotland needs to "maximise" opportunities developing renewable energy sources, current Scottish Government targets to see 80 per cent of demand met by green energy sources by 2020 "requires a number of uncertainties be turned into certainties".

These included the need for a sufficiently robust transmission grid, a more effective planning system and that renewables become more affordable.

The call forms part of a wish-list of policy recommendations, which includes a reduction in the number of planning authorities from 32 to six. The paper also demands a simplified system to combat Scotland's "cluttered, complex and confusing" network of skills development bodies.

SCC chief executive Liz Cameron said: "Included in our policy document are a number of key recommendations aimed at encouraging growth in our economy. They include proposals to better equip our young people with the skills of tomorrow, measures to upgrade our transport and digital infrastructure, a plan to provide for our future energy needs and practical suggestions as to how government can become more of a help than a hindrance to business success."