As the debate about nuclear energy heats up ahead of the next election, all eyes are on whether there is a feasible and economical path for Australia to adopt nuclear energy to replace coal. Questions of economics, politics, engineering and technical feasibility all need answers.
Australia and Canada have several similarities, with a vast continent and relatively small populations, mostly concentrated in dense urban pockets. Both are endowed with considerable natural resources for renewable energy. But unlike Canada, Australia has not yet replaced its thermal coal generation with nuclear power. Should we follow in a similar path, or is it now too late for Australia to turn to nuclear? In this session, we explore with Dr Chris Keefer the lessons learned from the Canadian experience and how the emerging policy debate in Australia is both similar and different.
