Empowering Australians: Time for a Nuclear Power Plebiscite
Ray Payne OAM- 20/06/2024
Australia stands at a crossroads. With the recent unveiling of the Coalition’s plans for nuclear power generation by Peter Dutton, it’s clear that we need to confront the reality of our energy future head-on. It’s time for Australians to take charge and demand a plebiscite on this critical issue in conjunction with the next federal election. The question is straightforward: should Australia embrace nuclear power to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation? Yes or No.
It is baffling that despite our nation’s impressive educational achievements, we have yet to harness the potential of nuclear energy. The first nuclear fission powerhouses, submarines, and ships were developed many years ago. Today, there are hundreds of nuclear power generators worldwide, yet none in Australia. Why? The answer lies in decades of misinformation and a lack of public understanding.
Many of our tertiary-educated professionals seem to have missed the fundamental principles of nuclear power. This energy source, utilized safely and efficiently by numerous countries, remains off-limits in Australia due to outdated fears and political inertia. It’s time for a change.
The Australian people deserve the right to decide their energy future. We must move beyond the political games and let the public have a say. A plebiscite offers a democratic solution, allowing every Australian to voice their opinion on whether nuclear power should be part of our energy mix. This decision should not be left to a select few in Canberra but should be made by the millions who will be directly impacted by it.
For too long, Australians have been subjected to half a century of biased rhetoric against nuclear power. It’s time to cut through the noise and make an informed decision based on facts, not fear. We need reliable, affordable, and continuous baseload power to maintain our status as a first-world nation. Renewable energy sources, while important, cannot alone meet these needs. Without a strong energy foundation, we risk slipping into second-world status, dependent on imports for basic necessities and unable to support robust heavy industries.
Our predecessors have worked hard to build a prosperous nation, and we owe it to them and future generations to make wise energy choices. Let us not squander their legacy by shying away from the nuclear option without due consideration.
As we approach the next federal election, let’s demand a plebiscite on nuclear power. This issue is far more critical to our nation’s future than the divisive Voice Referendum of 2023. It’s about securing a sustainable, prosperous future for all Australians.
So, let’s put it to a vote. Let the people decide whether nuclear power should be a part of Australia’s energy strategy. It’s time to end the political posturing and let common sense prevail. Australia, it’s your future – make your voice heard!
Note: you are welcome to share this if you wish.
So you have already made up your mind without hearing any of the information required before making an informed decision, we cannot rely completely on renewables. We also need an independent assessment of the cost of blinky Bowens plans for the future of our long term energy needs.
We don’t need unreliable wiindmills and solar panels. There is no climate crisis, why?
Carbon dioxide iis a trace gas, just 0.04% of the atmosphere, can that be the major driver of the climate?
Carbon dioxide provides only 5% of the greenhouse effect, water vapour 95%.
Over hundreds, thousands and millions of years there has been no correlation between carbon dioxide levels and temperature. No correlation, no causation.
The greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide is logarithmic NOT linear. So the more you put in the less effect it has, ultimately zero. It was once 7000ppm and the planet thrived.
Nuclear power offers several compelling advantages over other energy sources, making it a superior option for meeting Australia’s growing future energy needs. Here are the key points that highlight why nuclear power is better:
One of the most significant advantages of nuclear power is its minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, nuclear power plants do not burn fuel to produce electricity. Instead, they rely on nuclear fission, which does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during operation. This makes nuclear power a crucial tool in combating climate change and reducing the global carbon footprint.
Nuclear energy has an exceptionally high energy density compared to other energy sources. A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a vast amount of energy. For example, one kilogram of uranium-235 can produce about 24,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, while burning one kilogram of coal only produces about 8 kilowatt-hours. This high energy density means that nuclear power plants require less fuel and generate more power than their fossil fuel counterparts.
Nuclear power plants provide a steady and reliable supply of electricity. Unlike renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, nuclear plants operate continuously and are not affected by external factors. This reliability is crucial for maintaining a stable electrical grid and ensuring a consistent supply of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.
Nuclear power contributes to energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By investing in nuclear power, Australia can ensure a more stable and secure energy future.
Modern nuclear reactors are designed with advanced safety features that minimize the risk of accidents. New reactor designs, such as Generation III+ and Generation IV reactors, incorporate passive safety systems that automatically shut down the reactor in case of an emergency without requiring human intervention. Additionally, advancements in nuclear technology are making reactors more efficient and less waste-intensive, further enhancing their environmental and economic benefits.
Nuclear waste management is a challenge, but technological advancements are making it more manageable. Some nuclear technologies, such as fast breeder reactors and thorium reactors, have the potential to recycle nuclear waste and use it as fuel, significantly reducing the volume and toxicity of the waste. This makes nuclear power a more sustainable long-term energy solution.
The construction and operation of nuclear power plants provide substantial economic advantages, notably through job creation and local economic development. Although the initial capital investment for nuclear power plants is considerable, their long-term operational costs are relatively low. One significant economic benefit of nuclear power is its high-capacity factor, which ensures that these plants can generate electricity at a competitive price over their extensive lifespan of 90 to 100 years. This stands in stark contrast to wind and solar energy systems, which typically have lifespans of 20 to 25 years, making nuclear power a more sustainable and economically advantageous option over the long term.
Nuclear power stands out as a superior energy source due to its low greenhouse gas emissions, high energy density, reliable base load power generation, enhanced energy security, advanced safety features, and minimal air pollutants. As the world seeks sustainable and reliable energy solutions to address climate change and growing energy demands, nuclear power offers a viable and compelling option.
With the setup that the Labor Government in Australia is now trying to get through, there is a constant demand and reliable supply of Solar Panels and Wing Turbine components which need changing every 25 years at maximum. These components are being built by companies overseas that have a vested interest in keeping the production going. Mr Turnbull did say that anyone who didn’t invest in Carbon Credits was going to miss out on making the BIG dollars. I think this is why he is now becoming hysterical about the push to Nuclear.
Right, The private sector is well and truly involved in the Solar and Wind Turbine system which Europe started along with some states in America. However, when Europe had its last big snowfall and heavy winds they found that things became very dark during the night. Germany turned to its coal-fired power plants until it was able to purchase power from the French Nuclear Reactor Power System, which those with any brains are now turning to. The Private sector has not been invited to join in the supply in Australia. The Government I feel which builds these reactors will have seen the light of day and the greed with which the private sector has handled the current electrical system that they purchased. We are still a Democratic country which has saved the Nation up till now from Stupidity and bankruptcy. People in Australia are about 70% wide awake now to the Lies and misinformation being touted by the Government and others.
At my age, I don’t care what others do or think, but I hope that the younger generation has seen the folly of the Socialist Government which is there today with its hangers-on screwing the nation for everything that China asks it to. So much for Free Trade across the Borders. Regardless of who did what it has screwed our country and many a tradesman’s career.
In recent times we have heard the opinions of Members of Parliament of both sides. And that is precisely what they are – opinions. If members of a large corporation or a large company were to submit a proposal which would change their entire power structure, not even their CEO would accept any proposal without a thorough “Risk Analysis” being done by a qualified company who had no connection to either side of that company. I am tired of hearing politicians making statements like “It’s such a dumb idea” without backing up his statement with well researched facts.
So, I suggest to Peter Dutton that he engage a highly qualified company, with NO political connections to either side of politics to carry out a thorough Risk Analysis of Nuclear Power for national domestic and professional usage.
Personally, I favour the idea of developing nuclear power, but that is my personal opinion, and it would be received as just that.
So, what is a ‘Risk Analysis’? This selected body would collate all the risks, all the benefits, all the logistical obstacles, all the costs and all the maintenance issues and collate them into an order of seriousness. Each topic would be assessed as to its risk and/or its benefit. Finally, the overall picture would emerge as to the benefit of the proposal. Then the powers-to-be could give a calculated decision of the proposal with all the benefits and/or the risks laid out. During my working life with an operations branch of a major airline, I was involved in several risk analysis projects, some major and some not so.
So, I suggest to Peter Dutton that he engage the services of a major company who has dealt with nuclear power in many forms to carry out a thorough risk analysis. Then, and only then, could he present a well researched proposal to the nation. In this way, political opinions, be they from the left or the right, would have no place in the argument.
If we are to get Climate Change and the Oceans are going to rise, invading the low-lying grounds along the coast, and along the rivers why are the Banks and Lenders still lending Millions to build in these areas?? The Argument of these creations are full of holes. The water is leaking out everywhere from their stories of wow. It is similar to that bloody big hole in the ozone layer that kept wondering about, then the water was coming up to wipe out the coast along South Australia, and just after that and before the floods it was never going to rain again to fill the dams, so the Drongo’s built Desalination Plants which are white elephants since the last floods and costing millions to run. Did anyone notice that pimp head got a job with Macquarie Bank after he left the State Government in a mess? Macquarie Bank bankrolled the Desalination plant for the Government then. But nothing to see here, move along.