German halt to nuclear power is the right decision

Responding to today’s announcement by Mike Weir of the SNP, that Scotland is well placed to lead the world in renewable energy, and following the German Government’s decision to close its nuclear power plants, Stan Blackley, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

“Like the SNP, we very much welcome the German Government’s decision to close its nuclear power plants by 2022. If a country like Germany can commit to this type of action, then there is no reason why the UK Government cannot commit to the same. Nuclear energy should not play any part in Scotland’s energy future beyond the short-term decommissioning of existing facilities.”

“The SNP’s commitment to 100% renewables for Scotland by 2020 is very welcome, and independent research has shown that it is completely achievable.

“In fact, renewables could provide 185% by 2030. However, we would like to see the SNP focusing not only on the transition to renewables, but also on demand reduction and energy efficiency measures.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth Scotland t: 0131 243 2719

Notes to Editors

The Power of Scotland Secured – Scotland could phase out all fossil fuel and nuclear power and generate significant revenue from renewable exports, according to this research by one of the world’s leading energy consultants, Garrad Hassan. www.foe-scotland.org.uk/power-secured

Friends of the Earth Scotland is * Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation * An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland * Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups – covering every continent. www.foe-scotland.org.uk