The Conservatives will look at legislating to pave the way for new nuclear power stations in Scotland, shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie will announce today.
In a speech to the Conservative Party conference, the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP is expected to argue that no part of Great Britain should be excluded from plans for a new generation of nuclear power.
Bowie will say the UK needs a third large-scale nuclear reactor and that Scotland should be considered as a potential location despite the SNP government's opposition to new nuclear developments.
Scotland's last remaining nuclear power station at Torness in East Lothian is currently due to close by 2030.
Bowie said: "The SNP's effective ban on new nuclear energy in Scotland flies in the face of common-sense.
"No part of Great Britain should be missing out on plans for new nuclear renewal. That is why I am delighted to announce that the Conservatives will look to see how we can legislate to deliver new nuclear energy in Scotland.
"The SNP's luddite approach is costing jobs in Scotland, harming our energy security and ending Scotland's rich and powerful association with the nuclear industry. If John Swinney and SNP ministers want to have a fight over any plans that would deliver thousands of jobs and protect energy security, then I say bring it on."
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: “The Scottish Government is focused on supporting the development of Scotland’s remarkable renewable energy potential – which provides jobs, is safer and doesn’t leave a legacy of nuclear waste.
“For example industry reports estimate that offshore wind alone could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland - that is why it is at the centre of both our energy and our economic ambitions.”