Meeting Scotland's future energy needs : second report of session 2004-05, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes

The Committee's report examines the decommissioning of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) site at Dounreay, focusing on three issues: i) the future job prospects for people currently employed at the plant when it is finally decommissioned; (ii) the long-term strategy for the management of radioactive waste, particularly for intermediate-level waste; and (iii) managing the shortfall in energy output once nuclear power no longer supplies Scotland's energy needs.

Conclusions drawn include that before any final, irreversible decisions are taken on power generation in Scotland, the Government should carry out an audit of available energy resources, based on recognition that all current forms of energy will continued to be needed, including renewable, fossil and nuclear; and that further research is needed to ascertain the viability of emerging technologies for providing a quarter of the renewable element of Scotland's energy needs.

The Committee also recommends that the Government should agree to underwrite the costs of providing and installing equipment at UK coal-burning power stations to capture carbon dioxide and sulphur emissions.