The Coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear energy as a central component of its energy policy for the upcoming election. Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan emphasized its importance in modernizing Australia’s electricity grid, attributing past setbacks to what he termed “disinformation” from the Labor Party. The Coalition’s previous campaign in the May 2023 election, which resulted in a significant defeat, included plans to develop nuclear power plants nationwide.
Tehan spoke on ABC Radio on Thursday, stating, “There is overwhelming agreement on the Coalition side that nuclear needs to be part of our energy mix.” This statement highlights a significant shift within the Coalition, which has faced internal divisions over energy and emissions strategies.
Following the election, the Coalition experienced a temporary rift between the Nationals and Liberals. However, Sussan Ley, the new Opposition Leader, successfully negotiated a truce, which included support for lifting Australia’s moratorium on nuclear energy. Tehan indicated that the Coalition aims to go beyond merely removing legislative barriers, advocating for substantial nuclear plant construction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy sources.
Simon Kennedy, the member for Cook, has urged the Coalition to adhere to its commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Kennedy believes this focus will resonate with urban voters. He stated, “Australians deserve cheaper, more reliable, lower-emissions energy — but after three years of Labor, prices are up 40 percent and emissions aren’t dropping. We’re focused on practical solutions like nuclear that deliver all three.”
The Coalition’s energy strategy remains under scrutiny. Ley has tasked Tehan with reviewing the party’s commitment to net-zero emissions while avoiding unilateral decisions, in contrast to her predecessor Peter Dutton. The debate within the Coalition is expected to be intense, with notable figures such as Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan from the Nationals, as well as Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Price from the Liberals, advocating for a departure from the net-zero policy, which aligns with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Dutton had previously suggested using taxpayer funds to construct nuclear power facilities, including both large-scale reactors and smaller modular reactors currently under development. The Coalition estimates the cost of its nuclear initiative at $330 billion, while Labor claims the figure could rise to $600 billion. Tehan criticized Labor’s stance, asserting, “The disinformation, misinformation campaign that was run by the Labor Party… put a fear on our costings.”
While Tehan has not clarified whether his proposals will involve public funding or large-scale reactors, he highlighted the potential of modular reactors to meet the energy demands of data centers and complement renewables, which are central to the current government’s energy framework. “Energy abundance is going to become the key word or keywords going forward, and we’re going to have to be able to provide for that energy abundance, otherwise Australia is going to be left behind,” he stated.
Opposition to nuclear energy remains strong. Dave Sweeney, a nuclear policy analyst for the Australian Conservation Foundation, warned that the Coalition could face significant backlash from anti-nuclear groups if it continues to promote nuclear technology. “The Australian people rejected Dutton’s policy right across the country, and if the Coalition goes down this path, it will be strongly opposed by environmental organizations and the energy industry,” Sweeney remarked.
Before the last election, most state premiers, with the exception of South Australia, along with energy companies controlling potential reactor sites, expressed their unwillingness to collaborate on nuclear energy plans. As the Coalition prepares for the next election, the debate over nuclear energy is likely to remain a focal point, shaping the future of Australia’s energy landscape.
