Dutton asserts authority over Nuclear Plan costings, stating they will come ‘at our choosing’
Dutton acknowledged that although there will be a significant upfront cost, the plan will ultimately cost much less than the government’s $1.3 trillion plan.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s highly anticipated speech on the Coalition’s nuclear energy plans did not include the expected budget details.
Despite facing pressure from the government to reveal the cost, Dutton mentioned that the Coalition’s nuclear plan would only cost a fraction of the Albanese government’s $1.3 trillion energy transition scheme.
“I can guarantee this: our nuclear plan will cost significantly less than the Government’s $1.3 trillion plan,” Dutton stated during his speech before the Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA) in Sydney on Sept. 23.
Dutton acknowledged the significant upfront cost of the plan and assured that the full costings would be released “at a time of our choosing,” while criticizing Labor for misleading Australians with their energy modelling.
“Just as we were transparent about the locations of our nuclear sites, we will also be transparent about the cost of nuclear energy.”
As per the plan, the Coalition aims to build seven nuclear power stations at specified sites in different states across Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Dutton for not providing the expected details on the nuclear plan.
“He promised transparency but failed to share any numbers. It appears they planned this speech without considering the figures,” Albanese remarked.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen also criticized the Coalition’s energy policies, warning of a potential 49 percent shortfall in electricity supply by 2035.
Bowen’s comments highlighted concerns over the opposition’s focus on nuclear energy and pause on new renewable investments.
Dutton Bullish on Nuclear
Dutton emphasized that the Coalition would utilize the existing transmission network to avoid the need for extensive new infrastructure, unlike Labor’s approach.
He underscored the long-term benefits of nuclear power, noting the longevity of reactors compared to renewable energy sources that require multiple replacements over time.
“It’s a necessary investment for our nation to pursue,” he stated.
Dutton also mentioned the numerous countries that have reaped benefits from nuclear energy.
“Nuclear power has proven effective over decades. More than 400 reactors operate globally in over 30 countries,” he explained.
He cited the example of the UAE completing its first nuclear power plant, highlighting its energy output compared to renewable sources.
Dutton also addressed the safety concerns surrounding civilian nuclear energy, arguing that these concerns were inconsistent with bipartisan support for nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear waste disposal.
“Nuclear technology is safe for our citizens, just as it is for our submariners,” he noted, dismissing scare tactics used against nuclear energy.
He further mentioned how communities near nuclear plants globally have seen growth and economic benefits, suggesting that Australia could experience similar positive outcomes.
The Coalition is optimistic that the shift to nuclear energy will create jobs and industries, with potential for coal plant workers to transition to nuclear plant roles using their existing skills.
