Dominic Perrottet ‘not close minded’ on nuclear power in NSW

Dominic Perrottet has hinted the door is not closed to nuclear energy in NSW following Treasurer Matt Kean’s backflip in favour of the technology.

Premier Dominic Perrottet would not rule out adopting small modular nuclear reactors in the future, describing himself as “agnostic” when it comes to energy technology.

His comments come after Treasurer Matt Kean described the technology as “exciting” – comments NSW Labor said are at odds with his earlier stance.

“There’s always new technologies that you should embrace,” Mr Perrottet said.

“You’ve got to focus on what’s our long term energy security into the future for generations to come, and in doing that need to be open to all forms of technology.”

”We’re not close minded to any forms of energy generation,” he said.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was not opposed to nuclear power being brought to our state. Picture: Richard Dobson

However he said the government is currently primarily focussed on the “short term focus on lower prices”.

“Gas is crucial, we need that Narrabri project up and running as soon as possible, and that’s exactly what we are going to do,” he said.

The Premier said gas supply would remain the priority but that small modular nuclear reactos could be considered. Picture: Lennart Preiss

“What I’m focused on right now is getting that gas project in Narrabri up and running as quickly as possible and making sure, in the long term, you have the energy security that we need for the great people of NSW,” he said.

On Thursday morning, Mr Kean told 2GB the government would be open to nuclear power if it was commercially available.

”Of course we’d be open to looking at options like nuclear if they were commercially available,” he said.

“Small modular nuclear reactors are exciting technology, which may become available in the future.”

The new comments come after Mr Kean earlier slammed his federal Coalition counterparts for suggesting nuclear power as a viable form of energy in Australia’s future, saying anyone chasing nuclear energy was “literally chasing unicorns”.

Labor environment spokesman Penny Sharpe said nuclear power should not have a place in NSW’s future.

“Tell us exactly what your plans are. We know there are members of the National Party that constantly talk about nuclear energy,” she said.

“Nuclear is not a part of NSW’s future, it’s not how we believe we will get to net zero.”