2015-10-28
Australian energy production and exports should focus on the opportunities of the 21st century, not the failures of the 20th century, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for nuclear issues Senator Scott Ludlam said today.
“I’m not sure how many times this argument needs to be had, but the answers are the same they’ve been for decades; nuclear power is too slow and too costly to make any useful contribution to Australia’s energy mix, to say nothing of the toxicity of the waste, and the inextricable connection to the weapons industry.
“The appointment of Dr Alan Finkel to the role of Chief Scientist has reignited debate around the future of Australia’s energy production. The focus should be on moving Australia to be powered by renewable energy, just as Dr Finkel’s home is.
“The fossil fuel industry will do anything to muddy the waters around renewables. Attempting to divert the conversation to nuclear is the desperate act of an industry scrambling to remain relevant as the world leaves them behind.
“Australian uranium was in the reactors at Fukishima. That’s surely all the evidence anyone needs that nuclear is a technology that should be left in the 1950s. It has no place in a modern Australia.