Even Dan Tehan, the Shadow Energy Minister, today called on his party to adopt a new nuclear energy policy for Australia. His call for transformation follows a very informative fact-finding mission to the US. Tehan’s discussions, which included visits to nuclear facilities, have led him to believe that nuclear energy can play a significant role in Australia’s energy future. He was positive about working shoulder to shoulder with AUKUS partners, the United States and the United Kingdom. Together, they want to make Australia a leading civil nuclear energy producer.
Tehan was clear that wasn’t the kind of renewable energy sites he toured. He took a different tack, tackling the question of how we all fit nuclear technology in with renewable and other energy sources. On Monday morning, he conducted a technical briefing for his colleagues and conveyed tremendous insights gained from his prior discussions with experts about cutting edge nuclear advancements. He reiterated that nuclear energy should be a key part of Australia’s energy strategy moving forward.
Insights from the U.S. Trip
During his time in the United States, Tehan devoted significant hours to learning about the latest developments in nuclear technology. What gave him hope, he said, was the confidence that experts he met with showed in the speed and progress with which that future is being built. Tehan specifically focused on research into micro-reactors, which he said could be deployed by 2035.
“There is huge investment going into nuclear. There are huge developments that are taking place. And everyone that I spoke to is incredibly confident, given the use of AI, given the use of quantum, that they will continue to make rapid developments with nuclear technology,” – Dan Tehan.
According to Tehan, micro-reactors are technologically as well as economically viable. This renders them as one of the most attractive technology choices for building Australia’s energy future. He noted that shifting US public opinion on nuclear energy might help usher in this transition. We know that while older generations can be more likely to cling onto archaic perspectives, younger Australians are increasingly open-minded about it.
“Now, there are some in the older generation that grew up with The Simpsons who still have those sort of outdated mindset, but most young Australians are very much open to it,” – Dan Tehan.
In his early conversations with colleagues, Tehan spoke passionately about the requirement for Australia to modernise its nuclear policy. He particularly emphasized this with high-profile individuals such as Bridget McKenzie, because technology and public perception change fast.
Emphasizing Collaboration and Adaptation
Tehan’s advocacy for nuclear energy is rooted in a belief that Australia cannot afford to lag behind other nations in embracing advanced energy solutions. He reiterated that working alongside partners abroad as part of the AUKUS framework will allow Australia to access civil nuclear energy. This collaboration creates a wealth of potential for Australia’s energy transition.
“There is no reason why Australia couldn’t work with AUKUS partners to bring civil nuclear energy to Australia,” – Dan Tehan.
He articulated a vision where nuclear energy could contribute substantially to Australia’s economy and job market, particularly in high-tech industries. On his view, accepting the promise of advanced nuclear is the only way we’ll have enough energy to meet all our needs. What’s more, it will make us more economically resilient.
“When you think of the high-powered jobs, the technology that it would bring, and its ability to power the knowledge industries of the future, that would be a good thing for Australia,” – Dan Tehan.
Tehan was adamant in the belief that these changes were necessary given the political obstacles which proponents of nuclear energy have experienced in Australia. He blasted a “dishonest scare campaign” that has derailed their work in the past.
Future of Nuclear Policy
Tehan’s statements suggest that he is prepared to modify and adapt the Coalition’s nuclear policy to incorporate emerging technologies like small modular reactors. He thinks these innovations will be key not just to reaching sustainability, but to improving Australia’s energy security too.
Tehan returning with clarity of purpose from his U.S. trip. He’s hopeful about prospects for a nuclear Australia. He even went so far as to say nuclear energy should be a central pillar in the country’s energy mix. Make no mistake …
“There is no doubt that nuclear can play a part here in Australia. And that’s why, for me, you know, lifting that ban… it just makes absolute sense for us to enable nuclear to be part of our energy equation going forward,” – Dan Tehan.
As a party, we are committed to changing the Coalition’s nuclear policy. It’s a smart move that further recognizes the changing public perception of nuclear energy and its role in achieving an environmentally sustainable energy transition. He remains very much engaged with his peers in the field and leading experts. What he’s really interested in is figuring out the right balance that strives to advance technological innovation while prioritizing public acceptance.
