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AUSTRALIA | S06 E6 - Can we keep digging for energy?
Mar 29, 2022
Exploring Australia's historical involvement in uranium mining and the potential of nuclear power to reduce carbon emissions. The debate surrounding energy in Australia, including the role of coal, clean coal technology, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy sources, and natural gas. The growth and impact of natural gas in Australia and the need to transition to renewable energy sources. The challenges of replacing coal, oil, and gas with zero emission sources to address climate change.
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Quick takeaways
- Nuclear power faced challenges in Australia due to concerns over safety, environmental impact, and slow progress in building nuclear power plants, hindering its development despite its potential to lower emissions.
- While natural gas is seen as playing a role in the transition towards renewable energy, experts assert that it has limited potential for significant expansion in Australia's energy mix, with solar and wind power dominating the renewable sector in future projections.
Deep dives
Australia's historical involvement with nuclear power
Australia's first large-scale uranium mine and treatment plant was opened in 1954. The potential for nuclear power as a solution to reduce carbon emissions was discussed in the late 1980s, but its implementation was polarizing within the Australian Labour Party. Despite opposition, Australia became one of the world's largest exporters of uranium, with mining industry figures promoting nuclear power as a way to tackle climate change.
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