Ministers consider nuclear option

Sparked by concerns over the security of gas supplies from countries like Russia, ministers are considering enhancing the role of nuclear power in Scotland as a way to guarantee long-term electricity supplies. A series of power cuts have led to fears about guaranteeing supplies and possible solutions being considered include extending the life of existing nuclear power plants or even building a new one. Scotland has three nuclear power stations. Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway - which now being decommissioned - exports power to England. Two others - Hunterston B in Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian - meet 50% of Scotland's electricity demand. British Energy said Hunterston should last until 2011 and it expected Torness to stay in production until 2023.