SNP calls on May to ‘re-set’ UK energy policy in support of renewables in Hinkley nuclear power ‘review’

The SNP has called on Theresa May to ‘re-set’ UK government energy policy to bring about greater investment in renewable technology  after a leading professor suggested that the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power project was ‘last century’s answer to this century’s energy needs’.
 
Michael Grubb, Professor of International Energy and Climate Change Policy at University College London and former member of the UK Climate Change Committee, made the argument in a letter in the Financial Times.
 
Professor Grubb roundly criticises the plans for a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point calling the existing plans ‘a gross dereliction of duty’ and recommends greater emphasis on renewables investment to get best value for money – a call echoed by the SNP.
 
SNP MSP Gil Paterson, who sits on Holyrood’s Economy & Jobs Committee, said: “Professor Grubb’s comments show just how fundamentally misguided the Tory government’s energy policy is. Having made swingeing cuts to renewables – costing jobs and important projects to tackle climate change <in last year’s energy policy ‘re-set’ by then energy minister Amber Rudd> – they now seem utterly bereft of ideas as to what direction to go in next.
 
“Professor Grubb makes an important point about the benefits and necessity of renewable technology. Not only is it becoming more affordable and more efficient, but it is also key to our future energy needs and will be vital in our fight against climate change.
 
“By investing in renewables now, rather than costly white elephants like Hinkley Point, we can create highly skilled and sustainable jobs – and as Professor Grubb notes, this will come at a lower financial cost than a new nuclear power plant.
 
“And it is about time the UK Government followed Scotland’s lead and prioritised renewable energy in order to meet both electricity needs and our climate change and emissions targets.”