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A technical study by the UK government’s nuclear power delivery body has concluded that Scotland possesses land areas with “high potential” for new nuclear developments from a technical perspective
The findings highlight opportunities for future nuclear power projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs) or large-scale power stations.
The report was conducted by Great British Energy-Nuclear, which was commissioned by the Energy Secretary in autumn 2025 to evaluate technically viable regions across Scotland.
Identified potential nuclear zones
The study flagged several areas across Scotland that are suitable for potential future nuclear infrastructure, focusing on locations historically linked to the industry as well as new coastal zones:
- Torness, East Lothian
- Dounreay, Caithness
- Hunterston, North Ayrshire
- Additional Areas: Other potential zones were identified around the Firth of Forth Estuary and the Eastern coast of Scotland.
The report noted that while these land areas show high potential, further site-specific studies would be required to confirm the suitability of any specific project. These future assessments would need to evaluate regional grid requirements, secure community engagement, and develop a robust commercial case.
Nuclear power: The political and planning impasse
The publication arrives amid a clear policy divide between Westminster and Edinburgh. While the UK government is pushing forward what it describes as a “golden age of nuclear”—greenlighting projects like Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast and small modular reactors in North Wales—deployment in Scotland faces a major legislative barrier.
The Scottish Government maintains a long-standing policy that it will not grant planning consent to new nuclear projects within Scotland. Despite this stance, UK Ministers state they remain open to discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the deployment of new nuclear technologies.
Economic and employment disparities
Supporters of the report argue that Scotland’s current planning restrictions are causing the country to miss out on significant economic and energy security benefits.
According to data from the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA):
- The nuclear industry currently employs a record 98,000 people across the UK.
- Fuelled by government-led investment, the sector added 11,000 new jobs over the past year.
- Due to a lack of new projects, Scotland represented the smallest job growth in the UK nuclear sector over the last year.
Calls for a renewed dialogue
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks noted that thousands of Scots have reliably worked in the nuclear sector for decades, providing low-carbon power, emphasising that new builds could significantly boost energy security and local employment.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, called for a new dialogue regarding Scottish energy policy. Greatrex stated that Scotland already possesses the necessary sites, engineering expertise, and strong community support to accommodate these clean power sources, arguing that the region deserves the same investment opportunities currently being directed into England and Wales.