Opposition leader Peter Dutton expresses concerns over the Albanese government’s renewables energy policy potentially causing California-style “blackouts” in the future.
However, Prime Minister Anthony criticized the Coalition’s “risky” nuclear plan, raising fears that it could deter investment in renewables.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom had to prolong the lifespan of a nuclear plant in his state by five years in December to prevent blackouts.
In an interview with 2GB, Mr. Dutton highlighted that both Democrats and Republicans in America support nuclear power, questioning why the Australian Labor Party is lagging behind.
“That cannot be sustainable for a modern economy. Relying on intermittent power hinders businesses and manufacturing, as seen in failed attempts in California and elsewhere, driven by ideological reasons.”
Mr. Dutton emphasized that Australia is the only G20 country among the top 20 economies globally not adopting nuclear power.
“We cannot rely solely on wind and solar for our energy needs. We require 24/7 baseline power, and nuclear is the most efficient solution,” Mr. Dutton added.
The Labor Party aims to achieve net zero with 100 percent renewable energy supplemented by gas, while the Coalition plans to construct seven nuclear reactors in Australia if victorious in the upcoming election.
Mr. Dutton acknowledged that nuclear power may have initial high costs but argued that its longer lifespan compared to wind turbines would ultimately reduce electricity expenses.
“Although there is a significant upfront capital investment, the longevity of nuclear power plants spanning 80 to 100 years helps lower electricity costs over time,” he explained.
“On the other hand, wind turbines have a lifespan of about 19 to 20 years, incurring substantial costs over multiple life cycles compared to a nuclear investment.”
Mr. Dutton also pointed out China’s rapid establishment of coal-fired power stations and nuclear facilities, urging a reconsideration of the current path taken by the Prime Minister to address inflationary concerns in Australia.
“We need to take this issue seriously to avoid regression under the current government, as people cannot afford such setbacks,” Mr. Dutton cautioned.
Dutton’s Nuclear Plan Deemed “Risky” by Albanese
However, Albanese criticized Mr. Dutton’s nuclear plan as “risky” during a press conference on July 13, highlighting the lack of costings and detailed information on the proposal.
Campaigning in Brisbane, Mr. Albanese reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions and 82 percent renewable energy by 2030.
“Queensland, being the most regional state, stands to benefit significantly from the transition to net zero. It is only the Labor Party presenting positive plans and executing them,” he emphasized.
California Governor Extends Nuclear Plant Life to Prevent Blackouts
During a press conference in April 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged ongoing challenges in ensuring grid stability and preventing blackouts.
He emphasized the critical role of battery storage in achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
“Battery technology enables us to utilize clean energy captured from solar and other renewable sources round the clock, especially when solar generation diminishes after sunset,” he explained.
In June 2024, Governor Newsom and legislators agreed to a $400 million loan to enable Pacific Gas and Electric to continue operating the plant.
In March 2023, Governor Newsom stressed the importance of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in supporting energy reliability while advancing clean energy and climate objectives.
