The myth of nuclear reliability

International experience suggests that Peter Dutton’s ambition to build nuclear reactors in Australia to guarantee electricity supplies may not be the best course for the future.

Future nuclear options

There are several new technologies which may transform the nuclear industry, possibly lowering costs and improving flexibility, but such promises have been made for decades and renewables are already proving their worth.

Is nuclear power a solution for Australia?

Nuclear power has again been proposed as a long-term solution for Australia’s energy problems, but the engineering issues and high cost of these plants still mitigates against their adoption.

China’s coming industrial transformation and the threat to Australia’s economy

A fall in demand from China for Australia’s coal and iron ore, and competition from Russia on global wheat markets, could see exports of primary materials fall sharply in the future, forcing Australia to develop more profitable alternatives.

The future of steel: Hydrogen vs coal

It should soon be cheaper to use renewables and green hydrogen to refine metals in Australia rather than use coal in the Northern Hemisphere.

Some thoughts on the hydrogen economy

Hydrogen offers a potential energy source with a wide range of applications in power generation, transport and other applications.

Victoria won’t run out of power when Yallourn closes down

The chance of Victoria running out of power in the years to come is extremely small, despite the closing of significant coal fueled power stations.

The misplaced idea of a gas-led recovery

The Prime Minister and his Energy Minister seem to believe in a gas led recovery but the evidence appears to point to a significant decline in gas usage in Australia over time.

Turning down the gas?

The evidence strongly suggests a significant decline in natural gas usage in Australia despite reports of increased government funding for gas. 

Nuclear cost and water consumption – The elephants in the control room

Expert engineer Peter Farley offers a detailed breakdown of the costs and water consumption required by any move to build nuclear power stations in this country.

Will Victoria run out of power next summer?

Despite the scare stories, a detailed investigation of Victoria’s power and storage capacity suggests that power shortages are unlikely next summer.

Is nuclear power an option for Australia?

The need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants and the supposed drawbacks of renewable sources has prompted renewed interest in nuclear options for Australia, but the economics and capacity of nuclear plants just don’t add up to a viable alternative.