Energy crisis reignites push for nuclear power

Victoria’s major parties are facing mounting pressure to reconsider nuclear power as the state grapples with the energy crisis.

Political parties are facing pressure to reconsider nuclear power. Picture: AFP

The state’s major parties are facing pressure to reconsider nuclear power as Victoria and Australia grapple with its energy crisis, but Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has blasted it a “stupid idea”.

Labor has ruled out nuclear power in the state but rising power bills are reigniting debate about new generation to replace ageing coal fired power stations.

Within the Victorian Liberals, there is an internal push to have a conversation about nuclear power.

It follows public support for a discussion from federal Coalition leaders, with new Nationals leader David Littleproud declaring a conversation around nuclear energy was needed.

“Nuclear energy won’t happen overnight, and we’re not suggesting it’ll happen overnight, it won’t be on everyone’s corner overnight but over the next five to 10 years, we have the opportunity to look at new technologies, emerging technologies, and see whether that can be done in Australia to reduce emissions to give us baseload power,” he told Sky News this week.

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has blasted calls to consider nuclear power as a “stupid idea”. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Littleproud said the party had conducted extensive polling two years which showed it wasn’t popular because “people were getting their information from what they saw on Chernobyl and Fukushima, but also The Simpsons”.

Nuclear energy, which is regulated at a federal level, is currently illegal in Australia under the Commonwealth Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 and could not be considered an option unless a ban is overturned.

Outgoing Victorian Liberal MP Tim Smith publicly backed the calls in a now deleted social media post.

“Any serious Liberal party in government or opposition must look at all energy options, particularly nuclear, with federal Labor about to irresponsibly legislate a 43 per cent emissions reductions cut by 2030,” he wrote.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands there is a debate within parts of the state Opposition, but spokesman for energy and renewables Craig Ondarchie said it wasn’t presently a matter for state leaders.

“Any move would need to be taken at a federal level,” Mr Ondarchie said.

“Our focus is delivering net zero emissions in Victoria by 2050. Renewables will be a crucial part of that mix to meet Victorian’s high social and environmental expectations while also providing a reliable, affordable source of energy to keep the lights – and the heaters – on.”

Victorian Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said nuclear should not be considered, adding that Labor’s investment in renewable energy would drive down energy bills, create jobs and cut emissions.

“This is a stupid idea that will only drive up energy bills, but also shows the Liberals will do anything but invest in renewables,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Nuclear is not only dangerous but is one of the most expensive ways to produce energy – the Liberals need to come clean on which community they want to force a nuclear plant on.”