These guys are hopeless. The Small Modular Reactor story has collapsed in the US in the last two weeks.
What’s the answer to the end of what was already a fantasy LNP policy? Just drop the “Small and Modular” bit:
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce says there’s “mounting pressure” on the Albanese government to scrap its ban on nuclear energy, after France urged Australia to recognise the role of nuclear power in the global energy transition.
Opposition climate change spokesman Ted O’Brien has reiterated calls for Australia to add zero-emissions nuclear power to its energy mix.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says Australia should explore nuclear energy, amid a debate over Australia’s decision not to endorse a COP28 declaration recognising the role of nuclear in the global energy transition.
Australia does not need nuclear to reach net zero. Our renewable resources are abundant.
It may be that the world needs nuclear energy. 10% of global energy production is nuclear now. It is aging, and it cannot be replaced with carbon-intensive output. So, some form of refreshed nuclear option still makes sense.
But not for Australia, where it would simply be ludicrously expensive.
Unless we want the Bomb.
