Climate review backs solar, wind, hydrogen, not nuclear

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Climate review backs solar, wind, hydrogen, not nuclear

An independent review of Australia’s climate response has found no need, or time, for nuclear to be added to the energy mix to reduce emissions.

The Climate Change Authority on Thursday released its review of the ways big-emitting industries must change for the country to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“We need to seize this once in a generation opportunity to ensure Australia’s rapid and orderly transition as the world transforms to avert the worst impacts of climate change,” chair of the authority Matt Kean said.

But developers of renewable energy projects need to engage with regional communities about the energy transition, and better explain the benefits that can be shared, he said.

As well as solar and wind for electricity generation and batteries for energy storage, the rapid development of emerging technologies such as hydrogen will play a part, the review finds.

The authority steers clear of nuclear power, citing federal and state bans, other available technologies, the long lead time and the premium it would cost for a first-of-a-kind reactor deployed in Australia.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the independent advice confirms nuclear could not replace aging coal capacity fast enough to support Australia’s 2050 target.

“Any delay risks not just our energy reliability and security but our ability to act on emissions reduction and secure the future for the next generation,” he said.

But Mr Kean warned the nation must overhaul supply chains, production systems, public and private finance, and workforces.

The advice comes as the federal government faces a deadline on declaring an emissions reduction target for 2035, with Australia within striking range of its legislated target of 43 per cent of emissions cut by 2030.

The *********** Conservation Council welcomed the analysis showing the country can meet and beat its 2030 ambitions and accelerate towards a 75 per cent by 2035 target.

The modelled scenarios make it clear the extraction of fossil fuels will need to be reduced and ultimately phased out, spokesman Paul Sinclair said.

“A high ambition 2035 target is critical to set a clear goal for the government’s Future Made in Australia strategy,” Dr Sinclair said.

The Pathways Review was commissioned by parliament to provide independent and technical advice on decarbonising the economy.

Sectors covered include energy and electricity, transport, industry and waste, agriculture and land, resources, and the built environment.

The Greens said Australia could hit net-zero by 2035 but Labor was “crab-walking away from strong climate targets” while approving coal and gas projects that will run through to 2080.

“Labor are climate frauds. Small targets won’t stop the climate crisis,” leader Adam Bandt said.

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