How practical is nuclear for Australia?

Dear ,

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen reckons "...nuclear is the most expensive form of energy" so planning to introduce it to the Australian network would be "a complete joke...They want that debate?...Well bring it on.."

Well, the OECD and IEA beg to differ with him, and so do our guest speakers at our lunch on Wednesday October 5: Zion Lights and Stephen Wilson.

Zion is an escapee from Extinction Rebellion for whom she was the UK spokesperson. I'm looking forward to hearing how she made the emotional journey from being a dark-green to light-green, and I'm also looking forward to hearing Stephen Wilson expand on his work on how you could actually make nuclear work in the Australian context.

Afterall, it was John Howard who banned nuclear power in Australia, so the aversion to it has run deeply across the political spectrum, but we believe now is the time to change course.

Stephen is well-equipped to explain the practicalities of establishing nuclear power generation in Australia. As a professor at the University of Queensland he authored the paper "What would be required for Australia to have nuclear generation by the 2030s".

He's a highly qualified mechanical engineer who has worked as an energy economist and consultant for over 30 years with a variety of companies including ERM, and Rio Tinto (where he was General Manager  - Market and Energy Analysis).

The function is October 5, at 12:00 for 12:30 pm. Cost is $135 for Australian Institute of Progress members, or $165 for non-members. We also have a price for tables of 10 ($1,350) and students ($120). To book, click here.

Regards,

GRAHAM YOUNG
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR