Letter: Balancing the need for nuclear energy

I recommend reading our detailed policy briefing on Scottish energy policy on the NFLA website (www.nuclearpolicy.info).

Our report notes that 6,573 megawatts of renewable energy are built, or are being built, with a further 19,500 megawatts going through the planning process.

This is a combination of onshore wind, offshore wind, tidal and wave energy - all new, clean and radioactive waste-free forms of energy.

The report also tackles two key issues Scotland has to face - dealing with fuel poverty and making a concerted effort at energy efficiency.

We also promote the use of micro-generation projects and low carbon heat where Scottish companies are leading the way.

In reference to the intermittency issues that Sandy mentions, we advocate flexibility through the use of combined heat and power.

If we look at the example of Denmark, a similar sized country to Scotland, they have set up effective ways through gas combined heat and power (CHP) to cover times when the wind drops. There is no reason why Scotland can't follow their example.

We also advocate consideration of micro CHP and anaerobic digestion within what we call a "local energy revolution".

We are sending this report to all the Scottish political parties.

We firmly believe Scotland does not need recourse to new nuclear should the Scottish Government, with co-operation from Scottish councils, develop an imaginative, innovative and dynamic energy policy.

Rather than importing energy I believe we can export to our neighbours over the next ten years.

It is time to be bold and radical and Scotland can be at the heart of a clean, nuclear-free future.

(CLLR) Euan McLeod

Nuclear Free Local Authorities Scotland

Glasgow City Chambers

In A recent report, Alex Salmond is quoted as saying "renewables represent a bigger and longer-lasting opportunity for Scotland than North Sea oil and gas". Is he aware of the massive difference between these two industries?

North Sea oil and gas made huge tax contributions to the country whereas wind, wave, etc, receive huge subsidies. Not quite in the same league, I would maintain.

GM Lindsay

Whinfield Gardens

Kinross

The call for an EU oil drilling moratorium by the European Parliament (your report, 29 September) is extremely disappointing and potentially disastrous.

To look at the situation in the Gulf of Mexico and on this basis undertake a blanket ban is a disproportionate knee-jerk reaction, especially given the stringent regulations imposed on the industry in the North Sea.

While the European Parliament is free to make such a recommendation it fortunately has no power to impose any drilling ban, as this power remains at the national level.It is, however, still a deeply disturbing call to make. It's Scotland's oil and gas industry which is the only thing keeping the London Treasury afloat and is an essential part of our energy mix.

Over the next few years, billions of pounds worth of North Sea revenues will flow to the London Exchequer to shore up the UK's precarious finances. For the European Parliament to talk of a ban at a point when the energy sector remains fragile and is supporting the faltering UK economy is extremely damaging, and is a move that must be strongly resisted.

Alex Orr

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh