Here's the CSIRO on nuclear energy, specifically small modular reactors.
This was two weeks ago.
"The status of nuclear SMR has not changed. Following extensive consultation with the Australian electricity industry, report findings do not see ...
... any prospect of domestic projects this decade, given the technology’s commercial immaturity and high cost. Future cost reductions are possible but depend on its successful commercial deployment overseas ...
"Wind and solar are the cheapest source of electricity generation and storage in Australia, even when considering additional integration costs arising due to the variable output of renewables, such as energy storage and transmission".
To be clear: I'm genuinely technology agnostic, I just want the emissions down, so I have no in-principle objection to nuclear – but if you are into least-cost abatement, nuclear isn't your technology.
So I repeat: if you are a political party that opposes a higher emissions reduction target in part on the basis that it might push up power prices, how on earth do you think nuclear energy will help?
From Peter Dutton: "Today, I initiated a formal internal process to examine the potential for advanced and next-generation nuclear technologies to contribute to Australia’s energy security and reduce power prices ...
... This review will be led by Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who will report to the Coalition policy committee, chaired by Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and the Coalition party room ...
... It is high time that Australia had an honest and informed debate on the benefits and costs of nuclear energy".
Worth stepping this out. This is the PM's message today. All very clear. 1. Get your booster. 2. Get access to antivirals if you’re eligible. 3. Wear a mask if it’s appropriate. 4. And stay-at-home if you are sick.
On point 4, this is what the CMO said in a statement yesterday. "The AHPPC has reiterated its advice on reinfection periods, testing and isolation, mask wearing, vaccine boosters and treatments; and called on employers to allow work from home if feasible".
"Employers should review their occupational health and safety risks and mitigations and their business continuity plans. They should consider the feasibility of some employers working from home, wearing masks in the workplace and support employees to take leave when sick".
Sticking with the spirit of ten years of energy policy debacles.
Lest we inadvertently enable another ten years of absolute nonsense at the country's expense there's a couple of things I need to get off my chest about nuclear and the Liberals and Nationals.
1. It's fine to have a debate about nuclear. I doubt we'll need it in Australia, but if you think we need to hit net zero by 2050 (and we do), everything should be on the table, including nuclear.
2. But if we are having this *debate*, it can't be devoid of context.
3. First thing to know: nuclear was explored by John Howard back in 2006. That debate led Howard to accept the rationale for a carbon price, which he supported in the end by backing an ETS in 2007.
The PM was asked this morning whether the government introduced a carbon tax when it introduced the safeguard mechanism in 2013. Morrison said this: "No, the difference is, as would you know, how the thresholds work and the fact we put incentives in place".
"What Labor is doing is binding them on this and issuing penalties on those companies, so they couldn’t be more different. What Labor has is a tax, a sneaky carbon tax and that’s not good for regional Australia. It is not good at all".
I think it's important that people are very clear about what the PM is saying here. When he argues the Coalition has a credible climate policy, he says the safeguard mechanism is part of the tool kit for net zero by 2050.
🧵Dave Sharma on @RNBreakfast says net zero is the government’s policy. He says Matt Canavan lost the argument on net zero and green hydrogen #auspol
Sharma says there are different views in different parts of the country. He says no single issue drives voters, including in Wentworth #auspol
I don’t expect there to be an homogenised national conversation on this issue, Sharma says. [Narrator: The issue isn’t the conversation, the issue is whether net zero is a commitment the Coalition will actually deliver] #auspol