SCOTTISH Organiser, Dave Watson, said: “This review has to be about more than a narrow debate about nuclear energy.
“It is primarily about security of supply. Closing our existing nuclear and
coal plants will leave a huge energy gap that will not be filled by
renewables alone. The folly of relying on overseas gas supplies has been
highlighted by recent price rises and political instability. This means we
must look again at clean coal as an important part of the solution.”
UNISONScotland will be arguing for a Scottish Energy Strategy based on
balanced electricity generation from a number of sources when they respond
to the review. This should minimise volatility and ensure security of
supply.
The key elements include:
* Increased support for renewable technologies whilst recognising the limits
of existing proven technology and the opposition to developments – often
from some of the same groups that claim to advocate renewable energy.
* Equivalent government support for clean coal technologies to enable
Scotland to maintain current levels of flexible coal fired generation.
* A continuing role for nuclear power whilst reducing our dependence on this
source in Scotland, subject to resolving the waste management issues.
* Stronger energy efficiency measures coupled with a co-ordinated attack on
fuel poverty.
* A planned Scottish energy industry free from the chaos of the so-called
competitive market.
Dave Watson went on: “The review must also develop a better managed and planned long term energy
strategy that breaks out of the short termism that bedevils the competitive
market.”
ENDS
Note for Editors:
UNISONScotland’s Energy Strategy is available on their website -
www.unison-scotland.org.uk/energy
YOU too can post a media release on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 0870 7777 006(w) 07958 122 409(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0870 7777 006(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
