A new energy plan by Australia’s opposition parties has sparked a debate over the country’s long-standing nuclear-free policy. The conservative coalition says it will build Australia’s first nuclear plants once in power.
The coalition announced on Wednesday seven candidate sites for the plants. Under the proposal, two of them will start producing electricity sometime between 2035 to 2037.
Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, said they have a vision for Australia to deliver cleaner, cheaper and consistent electricity. He added that the plan will underpin “a century of economic growth” and jobs for communities.
Currently, Australia mainly relies on thermal power plants. The law prohibits nuclear installations. Dutton said “zero-emission” plants will help address the country’s energy needs and climate change.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a TV station on Friday that six of the candidate sites oppose the plan. He also said the opposition camp is “hiding what the costs will be of this nuclear fantasy,” suggesting his government will instead continue to promote renewable energy.
Energy policy is likely to be one of the main topics in Australia’s general election due within a year.