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What's the deal with nuclear energy?
Jun 5, 2024
Tim Leslie, a climate lead at ABC News, dives deep into the heated debate about nuclear energy as a solution for Australia's climate crisis. He discusses how transitioning from coal could benefit from nuclear's potential, while weighing its economic viability against wind and solar. Tim breaks down the cost and timeline challenges faced by nuclear projects, using real-world examples like the Hinckley Sea power plant. The potential role of small modular reactors is also explored, sparking a discussion on their commercial feasibility in the energy landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- Transitioning from coal to renewable energy is crucial for Australia, but nuclear energy faces significant cost and timeline challenges.
- Nuclear energy, despite its potential for continuous power, is projected to be 1.5 to 3.5 times more expensive than wind and solar options.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Coal to Renewables
Australia is undergoing a significant transition away from coal-fired power due to its decreasing profitability, which is largely driven by the rising affordability of renewable energy sources. Currently, renewable energy accounts for approximately 40% of Australia's power supply and is anticipated to grow rapidly. The Australian Energy Market Operator has projected that within ten years, around 90% of coal-fired power plants will close, highlighting the urgency of finding alternative energy sources to meet this shift. As coal exits the energy landscape, the discussion around nuclear energy has intensified as a potential replacement.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode