Delaying the overhaul of Australia’s grid risks adding at least 2 billion tonnes of emissions
New analysis shows pursuing the deployment of nuclear in Australia’s grid could add at least 2 billion tonnes to national emissions, on a global path that is consistent with 2.6°C of warming.
The Climate Change Authority has compared published modelling by the Australian Energy Market Operator and Frontier Economics to understand how a nuclear pathway could impact national efforts to reduce emissions.
The analysis finds that a nuclear pathway could see Australia miss the legislated 43% emissions reduction target for 2030 by five percentage points, and still not achieve this level of reduction by 2035.
Australia would not reach 82% zero emissions electricity until 2042 – more than a decade later than current national plans.
“Prioritising nuclear at this time would be inconsistent with Australia’s national emissions reduction priorities and commitments,” Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean said.
This new analysis builds on previous work by the Climate Change Authority on nuclear energy, including through the 2024 Sector Pathways Review and its initial submission to House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy. This analysis will be provided to the Committee as a supplementary submission.
Read the full media release
Download Assessing the impact of a nuclear pathway on Australia’s emissions
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