Alex Salmond warned to rethink opposition to nuclear power

Alex Salmond has been warned to rethink his opposition to a new generation of nuclear power plants if Scotland's future energy needs are to be met.

By Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor Last Updated: 7:12AM GMT 09 Dec 2008

A new independent report has found SNP ministers' target of generating half Scotland's electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is achievable.
But it will require a five-fold increase in the number of wind farms and nuclear power should still be considered longer term to provide the 'base-load' the national grid requires.
The verdict comes after the First Minister's hand-picked team of economic advisers also told him to conduct an independent assessment of nuclear energy before dismissing it.
Scotland's two nuclear power stations at Hunterston and Torness, which supply up to 40 per cent of Scotland's electricity, are due to close within the next 15 years.
Despite warnings their stance could lead to the "lights going out", SNP ministers have vowed to use their control over planning applications to block any proposals for replacements.
The new report was conducted by consultants Wood Mackenzie for the Scottish Council Development and Industry (SCDI) and claims to be the first major independent study of the Scottish renewable energy targets.
It estimates that that onshore wind farms will provide more than 80 per cent of the increase in generation from 'green' sources.
But Scotland needs to spend £10billion on new projects between by 2020, with demand for electricity north of the Border predicted to rise 10 per cent.
The report concludes the best mix of electricity would be a balanced combination of renewables and fossil fuels that produce less carbon.
"It is our view that nuclear power should be considered as a potential part of the longer term generation base in Scotland," it states.
Although it is "very unlikely" that any new nuclear capacity could be delivered beyond 2020, a new generation of atomic power plants is possible after that date.
The closures of existing nuclear and coal-fired stations between 2020 and 2030 may bring a need for more capacity, the report states, or more reliance on imported electricity.
If Scotland is to become self-reliant, then it concludes it is likely the national grid will need a larger base-load, with nuclear energy a "viable option" to plug the energy gap.
Iain Duff, SCDI chief economist, said the study showed Scotland could hit its ambitious renewable targets, but only with "unprecedented" levels of investment in new generation.
This would involve projects being given speedier planning consent, and improvements to grid connections, such as the proposed Beauly to Denny line.
"This will allow us to meet demand from Scottish consumers and business and maintain exports to the rest of the UK into the future," Mr Duff said.
In August the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers warned Mr Salmond that without nuclear power, Scottish ministers will struggle to meet ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Mike O'Brien, the UK's new energy minister, last month accused Mr Salmond of "ducking" the nuclear issue and taking a "punt" on hopes that renewable energy would meet Scotland's future needs.