At an energy conference in Sydney, Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority, criticized the federal Coalition’s nuclear strategy as a “wild fantasy” that could hinder immediate investments in renewable energy and lead to higher electricity bills.
Kean, who previously served as New South Wales’s energy minister, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of building nuclear reactors in Australia, suggesting that proponents of nuclear power may not believe such projects will materialize in time to replace aging coal-fired power stations.
Kean highlighted that reliance on nuclear energy could drive up costs and delay the transition to cleaner energy sources.
“The ‘delay-mongers’ have latched on to nuclear power despite overwhelming evidence that it can only drive up energy bills,” he stated, reinforcing the need for urgent action in reducing emissions.
O’Brien defends nuclear strategy, emphasizing the need for affordable, reliable energy solutions.He pointed out that the timeline for constructing nuclear facilities could be detrimental to Australia’s efforts to manage the exit of coal from the energy mix.
In response, Ted O’Brien, the federal opposition’s energy spokesperson, defended the Coalition’s plans to establish seven nuclear power stations by 2035.
O’Brien emphasized the importance of developing policies that would lower electricity prices for Australians, who currently face some of the highest power costs in the world.
He criticized the Albanese government for not clearly outlining which coal plants would be phased out, urging transparency regarding their planned energy transition.
Kean also raised concerns about the potential implications of a Donald Trump presidency for climate policy, fearing that a rollback of clean energy initiatives in the U.S. could affect Australia’s progress.
He concluded by asserting that delaying the transition to renewable energy to accommodate vested interests is not in the nation’s best interest and that swift action is essential for the environment and the economy.