Nuclear fusion: we don't have time to waste on unproven technology
We cannot pin our hopes for decarbonising our economy on technology that is still years away, according to the Scottish Greens.
This follows the announcement that the UK government has commissioned a new nuclear fusion project in Nottinghamshire. The plan is for the site to be fully operational around 2040.
The Scottish Greens environment and energy spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, said:
"The climate emergency is happening all around us, we don't have time to waste by pouring billions of pounds of public money into unproven technology.
“Fusion may have a role in the future, but there is a long way to go before we will know if it is safe or viable. We cannot pin our hopes for decarbonising our economy on technology that is still years away.
“Nor can support for fusion technology undo the terrible damage that is being done by an energy policy that is based on fossil fuels and the dirty energy sources of the past.”
"This may not directly impact Scotland, but we all have an interest in governments across the UK taking effective climate action rather than throwing away the little time that we have left.
“Many of the clean technologies that could make a real difference already exist. The UK government should instead focus on the major investment we need in renewables and in building an energy sector that works for people and the planet.”
