Dispute over energy priorities

QUESTIONS are being asked over the Scottish Government's priorities on energy supply after its policy document appeared to put dumping nuclear power ahead of keeping the lights on.

Most national energy policies have three top priorities – security of supply, affordability and reducing carbon emissions.

But in its policy document looked at this week by Holyrood's economy and energy committee, the Scottish Government said its main priority is "to progressively increase the generation of renewable energy, to migrate Scotland from a dependence on nuclear energy".

Conservative MSP Gavin Brown said: "Government officials were unable to tell us if this policy would have any effect on security of supply, carbon emissions or affordability. It is clear it would actually have little effect.

"To have this as the main priority is dangerous and a case of putting politics over keeping the lights on."

However, a government source last night said the accusations were "daft", adding: "Scotland's renewable energy has grown to more than 60GW."

The source said that in 2006 contributions from nuclear power to Scotland's energy use plummeted from 38 per cent to 14 per cent "so if we want secure and reliable sources we need to concentrate on renewables".