Nuclear for Australia has welcomed the Liberal Party’s commitment to keeping nuclear technology on the table as part of its affordable energy and emissions reduction policy.
Members of the grassroot organisation’s Expert Advisory Group and founder Will Shackel met with the Coalition’s energy working group in Canberra last week to share recommendations for introducing a civil nuclear power industry based on world best practices.
Mr Shackel said it’s time for a commonsense energy discussion in Australia based on facts, not fearmongering.
“A $3 million anti-nuclear campaign leading up to the federal election spread misinformation and undermined public understanding of nuclear power as a clean, safe, and affordable energy source,” said Mr Shackel.
“Despite misleading and false claims, recent YouGov polling shows that more Australians support rather than oppose lifting the ban on nuclear energy.
“47% of Australians support Australia developing nuclear energy, so it is fantastic to see the Liberal Party is keeping nuclear energy on the table to reduce emissions.
“We are pleased that the Liberal Party is taking a technology-inclusive approach and considering all modern nuclear energy options.
“We welcome their commitment to lifting the prohibitions against nuclear energy that exist in legislation – including the EPBC, ARPANS, Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Renewable Energy Agency acts.
“Additionally, we also welcome their intention to add uranium to the critical minerals list.
“What we want to see is bipartisan consensus in Australia around nuclear energy to support the clean energy transition.
“We will continue to reach out to parliamentarians from all sides of politics to have a mature discussion about the benefits nuclear power can bring to Australia and the way it can support a clean energy grid.
“With modern nuclear technologies available, there is no need for new coal, because nuclear offers real environmental and health benefits.
“Nuclear energy can work in tandem with renewables to achieve a clean energy grid while ensuring reliability and keeping energy bills down for Australians.
” Mr Shackel gave evidence at the Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy in Melbourne on Wednesday, and said Nuclear for Australia is focused on ensuring that all Australians are equipped with the facts about nuclear.
“We acknowledge not everyone will agree about what a future energy mix might look like, but we need to have these discussions based on facts,” said Mr Shackel.
“The fact is that nuclear energy is a proven, safe, affordable, and emission-free solution operating successfully in 31 countries worldwide.
“Australia’s energy usage is rising rapidly and reliable baseload energy powered by nuclear will deliver far better outcomes than continuing on the current path with fossil fuels.”
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