SYDNEY, 13 December 2024 – Greenpeace Australia Pacific has dismissed Coalition leader Peter Dutton’s costings to build seven nuclear plants in Australia as a dodgy distraction from the fundamental unsuitability of nuclear power for Australia.

“The Coalition’s nuclear reactor costings don’t appear to have passed the pub test from experts—or even their own party. They are a dodgy distraction from the fact that nuclear energy is too risky and slow for Australia, and we just don’t need it,” David Ritter, CEO, Greenpeace Australia Pacific said today.

“Just days ago, independent modelling from CSIRO showed that, even with the Coalition’s specifications factored in, nuclear reactors are at least 50 per cent more expensive than renewables. The Coalition tried to fix the race, but the nuclear option still finished last.

“Not only does the Coalition seem ignorant about the real world speed and cost of building out nuclear, it entirely misses the devastating human cost of a potential nuclear waste accident and the climate cost of continuing to burn coal for longer while we wait for nuclear, instead of rapidly growing available renewable solutions.

“We know that clean energy solutions like solar and storage are cutting household bills now. For a safe climate and our hip pockets, we can’t afford to waste this critical decade on delaying the renewables roll-out to chase the false promise of nuclear.

“All Australian politicians must be conscious of the cruel and painful nuclear legacy in our region, including lasting pollution, social and health consequences from atomic weapons testing in the Pacific and Australia.

“Kids from communities like Tarong, Liddell and Collie should not have to grow up in fear of a radioactive accident from a nuclear reactor. Nor should Indigenous communities be subjected to the spectre of their traditional Country becoming a dumping ground for nuclear waste.

“The Coalition can have no credibility on climate, cost of living or regional cooperation as long as it continues to shove its nuclear fantasy down the throats of Australians, who deserve affordable energy and a future that is safe from deadly, climate-driven disasters.

“Greenpeace has a long and proud history of fighting against nuclear testing, weapons proliferation and nuclear reactors. We will continue to call out this dangerous, costly technology and champion renewable solutions to help reduce emissions at emergency speed and scale,” said Mr Ritter.

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Vaidehi Shah on 0452 290 082 / vaidehi.shah@greenpeace.org 

‘A dodgy distraction’: Coalition’s nuclear costings ignore key issues