AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald supported GBE

Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) spent £58,282.31 on its study into the potential for sites in Scotland to host new nuclear projects and used the services of AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald. GBE-N says it is “a government-owned, arm’s-length body responsible for delivering the UK’s new nuclear energy programme, starting with small modular reactors (SMRs)”. In October 2025, the then Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) secretary of state Ed Miliband asked GBE-N to explore deploying new nuclear at Torness, Hunterston and potentially other parts of Scotland, despite the fact that the SNP-run Scottish Government does not allow new nuclear developments in Scotland. He told journalists he had asked GBE-N to conduct the assessment in advance of Scottish Parliament elections, which were due to be held on 7 May 2026. Holyrood retains power over planning policy for the country and the SNP opposes nuclear, meaning no new nuclear will be built in Scotland while the SNP remains in government. The SNP retained enough seats at the May election to form a minority government. The outcome of GBE-N’s assessment was published in a report titled GBE-N Technical Advice on Potential Future Nuclear Power Plant Siting in Scotland on 30 June. The outcome of GBE-N’s assessment was published in a report titled GBE-N Technical Advice on Potential Future Nuclear Power Plant Siting in Scotland on 30 June. However, the cost of the study and specific private sector involvement was not know. The report said: “The study concludes that, from a technical perspective, Scotland has land areas with high potential for new nuclear development.” It repeatedly caveated its contents, stating that it was technical and not policy-focused, and added that commercial interest was also not considered, which would likely be critical for any future new nuclear power projects in Scotland. The study singled out Torness nuclear power plant (NPP) and surrounding coast, Dounreay nuclear site and surrounding coast, Hunterston NPP and surrounding coast, North Shore, Firth of Forth Estuary, Stirling, South Bank of the Forth, and Angus & Aberdeenshire East Coast as areas of consideration. The cost of the study and the names of the companies were revealed in response to a request NCE made using the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. GBE-N said: “The total value invoiced in relation to the assessment of potential locations in Scotland for new nuclear development is £58,282.31.” That covered £35,422 for a “secondee resource” from AtkinsRéalis, £10,159 for professional services from Mott MacDonald and £12,683 for population and technical data from the Health & Safety Executive. GBE-N added: “One secondee from AtkinsRéalis assisted with the delivery of the study. No other staff were seconded from the supply chain to conduct the study.” GBE-N, AtkinsRéalis and Mott MacDonald were approached for comment. Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.