Scotland urgently needs a transformation of the UK’s electricity transmission system which does not serve Scotland’s needs. It also needs more investment in energy efficiency and demand reduction
"1 The UK’s privatised national grid system does not serve Scotland well.
National Grid Transco PLC owns and manages the grid infrastructure in England and Wales. It also manages the transmission system in Scotland – although the ownership lies with Scottish Power and SSE, a situation which appears to make investment in the Scottish grid less attractive. Scottish energy companies are charged ten times what English companies have to pay to connect to the grid.
2 The strategy pours billions into nuclear power – while making unrealistic claims about what that will achieve.
The money that is invested in nuclear will come from energy consumers. It is predicted that consumers across the UK including Scotland will have to shell out £80 a year through their bills for this. The strategy document says the UK has: “committed to provide up to £1.7 billion of direct government funding to enable one nuclear project to FID (final investment decision) this Parliament.” It proposes up to 8 new nuclear reactors – which will cost a total of £13 billion.
Unlike renewables, the cost of nuclear power is rising. When completed, Hinkley Point C will be one of the most expensive power stations in the world. The fuel it generates will cost £90 per MWh. The UK’s existing nuclear power costs £45 per MWh.
3 There is no well-funded commitment to improving energy efficiency and insulating homes in the strategy.
A large-scale energy efficiently drive would benefit consumers struggling with energy and cost of living crises. But instead of new measures, the strategy repackages existing schemes. It also relies on householders borrowing money to insulate their homes.
The strategy voices the UK Government’s faith in the free market."