Australia's Coalition Unveils A$331 Billion Nuclear Plan Led by Peter Dutton, Claims A$264 Billion Savings Over Labor's Renewables

Dec 14, 2024, 09:02 PM

Australia's opposition Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has unveiled a nuclear energy policy projected to cost A$331 billion ($211 billion) over a decade. Dutton claims this plan will be A$264 billion cheaper than the current Labor government's renewable energy strategy. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has criticized the proposal, labeling it as the 'most expensive form of energy' and asserting that it would burn more carbon and disrupt the economy. Despite Dutton's assertions, energy analysts have expressed skepticism about the plan's cost-effectiveness and feasibility, noting potential hurdles in construction timelines and a lack of bipartisan support. The Coalition's proposal aims to construct seven nuclear power plants, with some sources estimating the construction costs at A$140 billion, potentially saving an additional A$20 billion compared to earlier estimates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed the idea of lifting the nuclear energy moratorium, attributing high electricity prices to global factors such as the Ukraine War.