The coal plants are decommissioning due to costs, renewable energy is booming, and (obviously due to the ban) there is no local nuclear industry or expertise. Even if you manage to lift the ban, which nobody is trying to do*, nuclear would not be replacing coal plants here, but might divert renewable funding. In other countries I have no doubt building more nuclear could offset coal, not here.

* The coalition claims to be in favour of nuclear power, but they've spruiked it before in opposition, and nothing gets tabled when they're in power. It's got as much chance of happening as high speed rail.

[–] ryannathans@aussie.zone 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Any idea what fraction of our total power consumed is from renewables?

[–] trk@aussie.zone 3 points 5 months ago

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_Australia

In 2021, Australia's electricity production reached 265 TWh, with coal accounting for 52.9% and natural gas for 18.8%. Renewable sources, comprising solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy with waste, collectively made up 26.7% of the total electricity generation mix

If you want to get excited though, check the rapid rise of renewables.