Renewables backed with batteries are the cheapest energy source
For this reason we would keep replacing the old failing coal plants with renewables and accelerate electrification of transport, households and business.
In addition we believe in science and accept the science of climate change.
To help renewable development we support acquiring sites for renewable energy generation.*
We will also convert the existing diesel fuel subsidy into a farm & truck electrification subsidy.
(*Excluding Conservative Electorates – see One Country, Two Systems)
Farming the sun and wind
As the climate deteriorates traditional farming of crops and livestock will become increasingly marginal.
Mixing renewable energy with farming will be essential to keep farms viable, supply energy and produce food.*
(*Excluding Conservative Electorates – see One Country, Two Systems)
Fusion Power
There’s no point buying FISSION when FUSION is just around the corner
The Coalition has been pushing hard for nuclear fission – we suggest that we may as well wait for nuclear fusion to become available.
As we wait for the design of Fusion reactors to be finalised, we should use whatever is cheapest for Australia.
That seems to be renewables!
Fusion Breakthroughs
- Largest fusion reactor ever built set to transform global energy production. Feb 2025
- The Conversation: AI could help make nuclear fusion practical. Jan 2025
- Phys.org: Chinese ‘artificial sun’ sets a record. Jan 2025
- BBC: New record brings dream of clean energy closer. Feb 2024
- Google Fusion Breakthroughs
Obviously there is still a long way to go before fusion is viable but they could be an option before fission plants can be built (2040+).
No nuclear fission submarines
Another argument against buying nuclear fission submarines is that by the time they arrive in 2040 there could well be a fusion power submarines that would be much less problematic.
Fusion power: The miracle we need
Given the immense technical difficulties of getting fusion power going on Earth it is easy to dismiss it as a distraction.
That would be a mistake though as fusion could be the magic bullet solution that generates enough power for the cold and dark northern winter while stopping CO2 emissions.
It could also generate enough power to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere later this century given that the biosphere may not be able to anymore.
For this reason Australia should continue be involved with fusion research and not prohibit fusion power reactors.