On midday 7 January 2021, the Hunterston B nuclear power station placed on the west coast of Scotland will shut down and await decommissioning after 47 years of service.
The power plant provided one gigawatt of energy, enough to power 1.7 million homes, which formed a large part of the UK's 7.9GW overall capacity.
Currently, about 20% of the power supply in England, Scotland and Wales is provided by nuclear power plants from 15 reactors, which help regulate the shortfalls when renewable energy sources, mainly from wind, are not providing enough electricity to ensure a stable supply. In 2017 the Scottish government opposed any development of nuclear power generation and aim to use new technologies in renewable energy to replace radioactive fuel.
Hunterston B operated for over 20 years over the planned shutdown and is one of few plants which will be soon closed down for good within the next few years, others including Hinkley Point B, Hartlepool 1 and Heysham 1. The new Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant is still not operational and is expected to be finished by 2027.
The closure prompted calls from industry experts expressing concerns that the rapid pace of shutting down nuclear power plants within the next few years could destabilise the supply of electricity in Britain and increase reliance on imported fossil fuels such as natural gas to fill the gap in electricity production, which in turn could further drive up consumer's bills.
The chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, Tom Greatrex said: "Hunterston B has shown the best of what nuclear can provide for Scotland – clean, reliable power to keep the lights on and save our planet, and long-term, skilled jobs on which people can build a life and a family."
"The dedicated staff who have helped keep Scottish homes warm and light for 46 years deserve our gratitude. As the current energy crisis demonstrates, without nuclear the cost of the electricity we rely on is higher, causes pollution and leaves us reliant on burning imported fossil fuels. That’s why we need new nuclear – to get to net-zero and provide the reliable, secure and clean power to live our lives."
