Dutton Says Residents Will Be Comfortable With Nuclear Plants

Peter Dutton has downplayed community concerns about the plans to construct nuclear power plants near former coal or gas sites.

The coalition has revealed intentions to incorporate nuclear power into Australia’s energy grid by erecting several reactors if they secure victory in the upcoming election.

Despite pressure on the opposition to disclose the proposed locations and costs, reports indicate that the nuclear plants could be situated in areas where coal or gas-fired power stations already exist.

Rumored locations include New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, Collie in Western Australia (WA), Port Augusta in South Australian (SA), and various areas in Queensland.

The Opposition Leader mentioned that residents near existing power plants would likely be receptive to living near a potential nuclear power plant.

“Communities with a high energy IQ, where coal-fired power stations currently operate, are likely in favor of nuclear because they comprehend the technology,” stated Mr. Dutton during an interview on Nine’s Today program on May 24.

“They comprehend that it’s zero emissions, utilizing the latest generation technology, which is the same technology employed for the nuclear submarines by the government, ensuring safety for our sailors,” he added.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the proposal, citing the significant costs associated with establishing nuclear energy.

“The reality is that the numbers don’t add up; it would require a substantial amount, amounting to many billions of dollars,” he stated on Brisbane radio 4BC.

“Moreover, it would take more than a decade for these plants to be constructed. Estimates indicate it would be six times more costly compared to renewables.”

A CSIRO report published on May 22 revealed that setting up a nuclear power plant would incur a minimum cost of $8.5 billion (US$5.6 billion).

Mr. Dutton highlighted that introducing nuclear power would enable other energy sources like batteries and renewables to play a more significant role in the energy mix.

“I am optimistic that battery technology can serve as the foundation, but the reality is it cannot. The technology isn’t advanced enough; wind and solar, as we know, are intermittent, necessitating a backup,” he explained.

“We need to approach a new energy system seriously as we transition to decarbonize and modernize, with nuclear serving as a crucial component.”

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young contended that no Australian would be willing to reside near a nuclear power plant.

“Nuclear power is expensive and hazardous, failing to align economically, scientifically, and lacking in community support,” she conveyed to reporters in Canberra.

“Peter Dutton hasn’t disclosed the locations for his proposed radioactive power plants for a reason – nobody wants them in their vicinity.”

Independent MP Allegra Spender criticized the nuclear proposal as a mere guise for promoting more coal and gas projects.

“It is extremely disheartening to witness the Liberal Party taking this direction,” she remarked to AAP.

“The coalition’s strategy wouldn’t assist in meeting our 2030 targets, leading to a breach of our obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement, and imposing the highest energy costs on Australians.”

“It fails to constitute a credible energy policy.”