Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why would building nuclear reactors on Commonwealth land be a drawback?
Why would building nuclear reactors on Commonwealth land be a drawback?
According to CSIRO’s latest GenCost study, how much more expensive is nuclear power compared to power produced by renewables and firmed with storage?
According to CSIRO’s latest GenCost study, how much more expensive is nuclear power compared to power produced by renewables and firmed with storage?
What is a common trait of recent nuclear power projects in western Europe?
What is a common trait of recent nuclear power projects in western Europe?
Why is it unlikely that private investors will fund nuclear power projects in Australia?
Why is it unlikely that private investors will fund nuclear power projects in Australia?
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What would be required to make nuclear power economically viable in Australia?
What would be required to make nuclear power economically viable in Australia?
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What is the estimated cost of a large-scale nuclear reactor according to CSIRO?
What is the estimated cost of a large-scale nuclear reactor according to CSIRO?
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Why is it unrealistic to expect Australia to have its first nuclear power station operational in a decade?
Why is it unrealistic to expect Australia to have its first nuclear power station operational in a decade?
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What is the significance of the 2006 Coalition government study on nuclear power in Australia?
What is the significance of the 2006 Coalition government study on nuclear power in Australia?
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What is the timeframe during which action on climate change is crucial?
What is the timeframe during which action on climate change is crucial?
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Why do nuclear backers often point to examples in China and the United Arab Emirates?
Why do nuclear backers often point to examples in China and the United Arab Emirates?
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What is the main obstacle to Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
What is the main obstacle to Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
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How many nuclear power stations does Peter Dutton propose to build?
How many nuclear power stations does Peter Dutton propose to build?
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What percentage of the Senate will be elected in the forthcoming federal election?
What percentage of the Senate will be elected in the forthcoming federal election?
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Which of the following states does not have its own laws banning nuclear power?
Which of the following states does not have its own laws banning nuclear power?
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Why is it unlikely that the Coalition will be able to change the ban on nuclear energy in the next term of parliament?
Why is it unlikely that the Coalition will be able to change the ban on nuclear energy in the next term of parliament?
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What is the time frame for Dutton's proposal to make nuclear power a reality?
What is the time frame for Dutton's proposal to make nuclear power a reality?
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What is the location of the proposed nuclear power stations?
What is the location of the proposed nuclear power stations?
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What is the attitude of the eastern premiers towards changing their laws to allow nuclear power?
What is the attitude of the eastern premiers towards changing their laws to allow nuclear power?
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What is the primary reason why Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations is legally impossible?
What is the primary reason why Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations is legally impossible?
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Why is it unlikely that the Coalition will be able to change the ban on nuclear energy in the next term of parliament?
Why is it unlikely that the Coalition will be able to change the ban on nuclear energy in the next term of parliament?
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What is the attitude of the Queensland Liberal National Party towards Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
What is the attitude of the Queensland Liberal National Party towards Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
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What is the primary reason why building nuclear power stations on the site of old coal stations is not a viable option?
What is the primary reason why building nuclear power stations on the site of old coal stations is not a viable option?
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Why is it unlikely that the eastern premiers will change their laws to allow nuclear power?
Why is it unlikely that the eastern premiers will change their laws to allow nuclear power?
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What is the significance of the 25-year-old ban on nuclear energy in the Australian environment laws?
What is the significance of the 25-year-old ban on nuclear energy in the Australian environment laws?
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What is the primary obstacle to building nuclear power stations in Australia?
What is the primary obstacle to building nuclear power stations in Australia?
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Why is it unlikely that Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations will be successful?
Why is it unlikely that Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations will be successful?
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What is the primary reason why building nuclear reactors on Commonwealth land is not a viable solution for Peter Dutton's proposal?
What is the primary reason why building nuclear reactors on Commonwealth land is not a viable solution for Peter Dutton's proposal?
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What is the main factor that makes nuclear power uncompetitive with renewable energy sources in Australia?
What is the main factor that makes nuclear power uncompetitive with renewable energy sources in Australia?
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Why are nuclear power projects often heavily bankrolled by the taxpayer?
Why are nuclear power projects often heavily bankrolled by the taxpayer?
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What is the primary reason why Peter Dutton's proposal is unlikely to be implemented in the timeframe he suggests?
What is the primary reason why Peter Dutton's proposal is unlikely to be implemented in the timeframe he suggests?
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What is the significance of the 2025 timeframe for Peter Dutton's proposal?
What is the significance of the 2025 timeframe for Peter Dutton's proposal?
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What is the main obstacle to building nuclear reactors in Australia?
What is the main obstacle to building nuclear reactors in Australia?
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What is the main advantage of building nuclear reactors next to existing transmission lines at old coal plant sites?
What is the main advantage of building nuclear reactors next to existing transmission lines at old coal plant sites?
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Why is it unlikely that nuclear power will be a viable solution to climate change in the next decade?
Why is it unlikely that nuclear power will be a viable solution to climate change in the next decade?
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What is the significance of the 2030s timeframe for Peter Dutton's proposal?
What is the significance of the 2030s timeframe for Peter Dutton's proposal?
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What is the main argument against Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
What is the main argument against Peter Dutton's proposal for nuclear power stations?
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Study Notes
Nuclear Power in Australia
- Peter Dutton's proposal for seven nuclear power stations is legally impossible, technically improbable, economically irrational, and environmentally irresponsible.
Legal Status
- The Howard Coalition government banned nuclear energy in Australia 25 years ago.
- The ban has not been repealed by subsequent Coalition governments.
- Even a sweeping victory in the federal election would not give the Coalition a Senate majority to change the ban.
- Five of the seven proposed nuclear power stations would be in eastern states, which have their own laws banning nuclear power.
Cost
- Nuclear power would cost at least 50% more than power produced by renewables and firmed with storage.
- The CSIRO estimates nuclear power would cost between A$8 and $17 billion for a large-scale reactor.
- Private investors are not interested in building nuclear power stations, and government funding would be required.
Timeframe
- Building a nuclear reactor takes years or even decades.
- Dutton's promise of having the first nuclear power station operational in a decade is considered unrealistic.
- Even in countries with experience in nuclear power, such as the US, UK, and France, no recent project has been completed within ten years.
Implications for Climate Change
- The push for nuclear power would delay action on climate change, as it would take decades to implement.
- Australia would break its Paris Agreement undertaking to make deep cuts to emissions and continue to make climate change worse.
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Description
Assess Peter Dutton's announcement of seven nuclear power stations amidst legal, technical, economic, and environmental concerns. Consider community objections and the social licence for nuclear power.
