TRANSCRIPT
The political power struggle over energy: pitting the Coalition's nuclear plan against the federal government's renewables policy.
Australia's nuclear future has come under the microscope at a Select Committee on Nuclear Energy.
Labor MP Dan Repacholi chaired the committee.
“What are the expected timelines to receive first power from a nuclear power station?”
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Simon Duggan issued this reply.
“The International Energy Agency talks about at least 10 to 15 years. So you're looking at sometime between the period of 2035 and 2040.”
Until then, the Coalition wants coal and gas to cover the energy shortfall.
Seven regional sites for nuclear power plants in Australia have been proposed.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton outlined his position in May.
“"If you look at the top 20 economies in the world. Australia is the only economy that hasn't adopted nuclear power or hasn't signed up to it."“
Labor MP and chair Dan Repacholi again:
“Unfortunately the time frame that Peter Dutton and his crew say they can get this done in, is just impossible, from what we’re hearing from these experts.”
Labor set up this committee to interrogate the opposition's proposal with four government members. It also includes one independent MP, one Liberal, and one National.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water's Clare McLaughlin says if Australia were to adopt nuclear power, the country wouldn't be starting from scratch.
“We would be working very closely with our international colleagues with the IEA and the IAEA to understand what best practice looks like.”
The committee heard expert testimony that Australia has excellent credentials in nuclear safeguards.
But questions were raised by Committee Chair Dan Repachli about whether the country has the expertise.
“Can we safely build a nuclear power station with our current workforce?”
This reply from The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency's Gillian Hirth.
“We do have the technical competence, it is present. But with the AUKUS program running concurrently, workforce would certainly present some challenges.”
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources's Mark Weaver says finding a community willing to accept a nuclear waste disposal facility is still a challenge.
“The time frames for developing waste disposal facilities, particularly deep geological facilities go to the decades.”
But the biggest barrier remains the the total ban on nuclear energy across the nation.
