Big Ideas Nuked or not? The politics and power play over nuclear energy as a climate fix
Sep 10, 2025
In this insightful discussion, energy analyst Simon Holmes à Court, conservationist Geoff Cousins, and journalist Royce Kurmelovs dive into the nuclear energy debate in Australia. They explore the nation's long-standing ban and the political intricacies surrounding nuclear as a climate solution. The trio critiques the Coalition's failed nuclear strategy in the last election and examines the need for bipartisan support. They also reflect on global energy trends, contrasting Australia’s challenges with other nations’ approaches to nuclear and renewables.
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Nuclear Requires Long-Term Bipartisanship
- Simon Holmes à Court argues nuclear needs decades of bipartisan support and community buy-in to be feasible in Australia.
- He says the Coalition's early, vague push lost political traction once voters demanded details.
Nuclear As Political Cover, Not Climate Plan
- Royce Kurmelovs frames the Coalition's nuclear push as an idea resilient to evidence and useful politically as cover for inaction on real climate policy.
- He argues nuclear served as a distraction and a wedge rather than a credible decarbonisation plan.
Renewables Outpace Nuclear Globally
- Simon Holmes à Court notes global nuclear expansion is small compared with renewables growth and often concentrated in China.
- He concludes wind, solar and storage are the cost-effective optimal mix for Australia.
