It’s time for a serious conversation about nuclear power

Ministers from the Liberal and National parties deserve high commendation for their willingness to consider nuclear energy as an option for Australia (“Nuclear energy cabinet proposal”, 22/6). This is an issue of the utmost importance for the nation as the world faces difficult choices arising from the growing effects of climate change.

Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels for domestic use and export has brought great prosperity, but it is time for the hard work of change. For too long Australia has avoided proper consideration of the only 24-hour, high-capacity, dispatchable, emissions-free source of electricity generation – that is, modern nuclear energy technology.

Australia is the only G20 country that has banned this form of energy – for the past 23 years. This has to change, and our political leaders need to know we want this to happen.

Barry Murphy, Cammeray, NSW

What seems to be forgotten in the chat about electric cars is that they need electric power to drive them. Our baseload of reliable electric power is 70 per cent generated by coal, from power stations now in their geriatric years. Coal remains the only reliable power source when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.

The need for a reliable power source to sustain our needs for daily living is obvious and now we are adding electric cars to the mix. Let’s value all the resources we have, and if there is to be a sane moment to talk about nuclear power, let’s do it now.

Stephanie Summers, North Turramurra, NSW

I hope the Nationals are sincere about climate negotiations, starting with a target for net zero emissions (“Nationals open to net zero deal”, 23/6). The recent Lowy Institute Poll showed that 78 per cent of Australians wanted a net-zero emissions target for 2050.

The Liberal Party risks losing public support if it allows the Nationals to determine our climate policy. Be careful; there is a risk of getting rejected from highly concerned climate voters from both regional and suburban seats in the next federal election.

We expect our government to safeguard us from increasing climate disasters through strong action on climate, and will cast our votes at the ballot box for the party that will bring the strongest climate policy to the table.

Ching Ang, Kensington Gardens, SA

With the encouragement by governments to switch to electric vehicles, I’m waiting for those technically able to do so to estimate what the demand for power will be when vehicles, predominantly those used commercially and industrially during the day, need recharging at night.

Domestic vehicles can be recharged at any time, but these other vehicles will have to be recharged during periods when domestic power demand is probably at its highest, both winter and summer, and the sun isn’t shining.

If Australia does not embrace nuclear power and phases out its coal-powered stations, what will it need in solar, wind and hydro power to be able to meet this demand, and will it be reliable enough to keep the wheels of industry and commerce turning?

Also, how will Australia handle the “recycling” of thousands of solar panels with their high chemical and mineral components without turning our pristine inland into a huge, toxic rubbish dump?

Noelle Oke, Albury, NSW

The multi-generational Luddites who have and continue to oppose the uptake of modern nuclear power generation are typical of those who want to have their cake and eat it, too. Many of these Australians who exhibit atom-based technophobic tendencies do so on principle alone and do not possess an understanding of a technology that will springboard us, as a nation, into the 21 century. In doing so, it will allow for the achievement of the real and the emotional green-based demands that are dividing us.

Nuclear power is a well-proven technology with many decades of global use to support it. Now, more than ever, is the best time to embrace it as fossil fuels become more practically and psychologically toxic.

Tom Moylan, Melbourne, Vic

The way ahead for happy Libs and Nats is to agree that net zero by 2050 is an agreed aspirational target.

Roger Dace, Reid, ACT