Independent candidate for Sturt, Dr Verity Cooper has slammed the Coalition’s proposal for nuclear energy in Australia, calling it, “economically reckless, environmentally illogical, and socially unworkable.”

Dr Cooper said Australian taxpayers will be asked to foot the Coalition’s estimated $330 billion bill, making nuclear by far the most expensive way to generate electricity.

“This is a conservative estimate when you consider the CSIRO and AEMO’s estimates of double that amount. No private company is lining up to invest in nuclear here because the numbers just don’t stack up,” she said.

“Every Australian can expect to pay about $15,000 for nuclear, and that’s just for construction. History shows nuclear builds almost always blow out in both cost and time.

“We should consider the UK as a cautionary tale, as they’re still paying for massive cost blowouts on just one plant. This is not a model we should be importing.”

Wrong fit for Australia’s grid

Dr Cooper said nuclear simply doesn’t suit Australia’s rapidly evolving energy grid.

“Our grid has been shifting to renewables and what we need now is better storage, not massive, inflexible generators that run 24/7 regardless of demand. Nuclear doesn’t respond well to fluctuations. It’s just the wrong fit.”

“When Snowy 2.0 is operational in 2028, we’ll have large-scale storage online. What we need next are more household, community, and state battery systems, not outdated megaprojects.”

No social licence, no storage solution

Dr Cooper said Australia has struggled for years to find a permanent site for even low-level nuclear medical waste.

“If we can’t find a home for medical waste, the Coalition can’t expect communities to accept highly radioactive waste from reactors.”

Too slow to help

Dr Cooper said the Coalition’s timeline is pure fantasy, with a lack of local skills required and complexity of operating nuclear facilities safely.

“It would take at least a decade to navigate environmental approvals, legislation, and community opposition – and that’s just to start building. Add another 10 years for construction and commissioning, and you’re looking at 2050 before anything comes online,” she said.

“Plus, we would need to divert tradespeople from housing projects just to begin the work.

“Australia needs action now, not in 25 years. Our climate can’t wait that long.”

The future is renewable – and it's already here

“Australia has already built the equivalent of 6.5 nuclear reactors in renewable generation over the past six years, and we did it with very little fuss,” Dr Cooper said.

“South Australia has led the nation in renewable energy for more than a decade. Let’s build on that success by investing in more storage and renewable infrastructure, not chasing a nuclear mirage.”

“Australia has the expertise, the sun, and the wind to be a renewable energy superpower. All we need now is the political will.”