Dutton's push to sell nuclear energy policy to urbanites (20 June 2024)
Article summary: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton unveiled the Coalition's energy policy, advocating for the construction of seven nuclear reactors in regional areas to achieve Australia's net zero by 2050 target. He proposed the first two reactors to be operational by 2035-37 and suggested the next federal election be a referendum on nuclear energy.
The plan has faced criticism from various quarters, including climate-focused parliamentarians, experts, and state and territory leaders.
Curtin independent MP Kate Chaney dismissed the proposal as nonsensical, emphasising that delaying action until 2040 for nuclear power would require further investment in obsolete coal infrastructure. Chaney highlighted the impracticality and high cost of the nuclear plan, urging for a focus on cheap, clean renewable energy instead.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen labelled the plan as "too slow, too expensive, and too risky," noting that even under ambitious timelines, nuclear reactors could not be operational before 2035-37. The CSIRO estimates the first reactors could cost up to $16 billion each and might not be built until 2040 due to the lack of an existing nuclear industry in Australia.
Independent Senator David Pocock criticised the nuclear proposal as a delaying tactic that undermines business certainty and burdens households with high costs. Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps echoed these sentiments, describing the announcement as "policy chaos."
Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young and Nationals Leader David Littleproud also expressed opposition, with Hanson-Young dismissing the plan as a sham and Littleproud raising concerns about the impact on regional communities.
The proposed nuclear sites include Mount Piper and Liddell in NSW, Loy Yang in Victoria, Tarong and Callide in Queensland, Collie in Western Australia, and Port Augusta in South Australia. However, companies operating these ageing coal plants have no plans to develop nuclear energy in Australia. Dutton suggested that land for reactor sites could be compulsorily acquired if necessary.
Dutton criticised the government's renewable energy plans, claiming they are contributing to high energy prices and inflation, impacting grocery costs and the broader supply chain. He urged urban voters to consider the experiences of regional Australians, who he argued are disproportionately affected by the current energy policies.
Related article: ABC Drive: Kate Chaney Criticises Coalition's Nuclear Energy Policy as Economically Irrational (19 June 2024)
