Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has proposed seven sites for the construction of nuclear reactors, contingent on the Coalition forming government in the 2025 election.
Flanked by Nationals Leader David Littleproud, Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley, and Shadow Energy Minister Ted O’Brien, Mr Dutton announced that a future Federal Coalition Government aims to introduce zero-emissions nuclear energy in Australia.
Under the plan, existing coal-fired power plant sites would be repurposed for nuclear reactors in Liddell and Mount Piper (NSW), Loy Yang (Vic), Tarong and Callide (Qld), Port Augusta (SA), and Collie (WA).
“The first two reactors would come online in 2035 – 37,” Mr Dutton stated.
The Coalition’s strategy involves retiring coal-fired power at these sites and leveraging existing infrastructure, including water cooling capacity, transmission poles and wires, and local communities with skilled workforces.
Mr Dutton highlighted local communities can expect to benefit from high-paying, multi-generational jobs and will be empowered to maximise the benefits of hosting an asset of “national importance”.
Mr Dutton has yet to disclose the cost of the proposal, noting that “it will be addressed in the next stage of policy announcements”.
Premier Peter Malinauskas responded to the announcement, saying he’s on record stating that nuclear power has a role to play in the global energy mix, but continued to say, “if you are going to propose something, costs need to be provided.”
In May, Australia’s leading scientific organisation, the CSIRO, estimated that building a large-scale nuclear power plant in Australia would cost at least $8.5 billion and take 15 years.
According to the Coalition’s proposal, assets would be owned by the Commonwealth and partnerships would be formed with experienced nuclear companies to build and operate the reactors.
