Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Advocates for Small Modular Reactors in Scotland
Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has shifted from skepticism to advocacy for nuclear power, urging the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Scotland. At a business meeting in Inverness, he highlighted the potential benefits of SMRs for sites like Dounreay in Caithness, particularly in addressing high energy costs and enhancing energy security by lessening dependence on fracked gas from the US.
He criticized the SNP Government for blocking nuclear projects, warning that this stance could drive jobs and investment to other regions. Cole-Hamilton noted that SMRs, which are compact nuclear plants designed for safer and cheaper electricity generation, could revitalize the Highlands, where Dounreay has operated for decades. The first SMR is planned for construction in Anglesey.
