Australia’s growing energy demands could be met cost-effectively by building small nuclear reactors on the site of ageing coal-fired power plants and using transmission systems already in place, Peter Dutton says.

The Opposition Leader will accuse federal Labor of being “mesmerised” by the glare of solar panels and wind turbines, and failing to seriously consider the opportunities of nuclear power, including to lower household energy bills, in a speech to the Institute of Public Affairs think tank on Friday.