East Lothian Council Leader responds to news that Torness will remain operational until 2030.
Leader of East Lothian Council Councillor Norman Hampshire said: “We welcome EDF energy’s announcement today that Torness’ operating lifespan has been extended for two years to 2030. This news will offer certainty to employees, suppliers and the wider East Lothian economy.
“Torness has been a key employer for many years in the county and plays a significant role in our local communities. While it has always been recognised that the power station would have a limited lifespan and decisions on energy policy are made at a national level, Torness will continue to be major employer in the region beyond its scheduled closure date as defueling and then decommissioning commences.
“Although current and future decisions on energy policy are, of course, made at national level, the East Lothian Local Development Plan recognises Torness’ economic importance in the county and the site continues to be safeguarded for power generation. East Lothian area will continue to play a major part in delivering the energy the country needs with the expansion of renewables we have with on and offshore wind around East Lothian. However, the baseload that Torness provides needs to be replaced and all options need to be explored including the potential of small modular reactors under consideration by UK Government.
“East Lothian Council will work closely with station owner EDF Energy and the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency to ensure local people and suppliers continue to benefit from the economic opportunities presented by the operation and eventual decommissioning of the site; today’s announcement gives us longer to prepare for that time. The recently approved East Lothian Local Economy Strategy recognises the significant and ongoing opportunities Torness presents for East Lothian.
“Representatives from the site recently attended our Economic Development Investment Round Table and discussed ways to increase the numbers of female apprentices. Our teams have since met with EDF to explore how young women could be encouraged to take up qualifications or apprenticeships in STEM areas to support this. The extended timetable will allow more opportunities like this to be delivered benefiting more people who are starting out on their careers as well as the wider skills economy.”