General News
29 October, 2023
Webster backs nuclear option on energy
NUCLEAR energy generation would end the need for VNI West transmission lines planned for the Loddon. The alternative option proposed by some opponents of the controversial renewable energy project was backed in Federal Parliament last week by Mallee...
NUCLEAR energy generation would end the need for VNI West transmission lines planned for the Loddon.
The alternative option proposed by some opponents of the controversial renewable energy project was backed in Federal Parliament last week by Mallee MP Anne Webster.
“Bearing in mind that nuclear would be able to be plugged into existing grids—good story! —taking away the need for expensive new infrastructure and the destruction of social licence that comes with building transmission lines, particularly in my patch, nuclear can be part of a policy that will secure Australia’s energy grid, cut emissions and also lower power bills,” according to the Hansard transcript of Dr Webster’s statement in Parliament.
“We in the Coalition have adopted an all-of-the-above approach because there are solutions to Australia’s Labor induced energy woes if the government ceases its stubborn track and crusade.
Coal-fired power stations have kept our power running for decades, but Labor will see them ripped out as soon as possible with no regard for how that will affect Australia’s energy grid. Nuclear is being adopted elsewhere in the world and is proven to be clean, efficient and safe, but the Energy Minister (Chris Bowen) speaks as if nuclear is some kind of bogeyman.”
Dr Webster said the Australian Energy Market Operator had ranked Victoria the worst state for energy security. “Labor are looking for a renewables-only grid, and they are trying to convince the public that any other form of energy generation is some sort of evil,” she said.
Australian Energy Regulator last week rejected a dispute on VNI West lodged by Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance against AEMO Victoria Planning and Transgrid’s joint regulatory investment test assessing the viability of increasing interconnector capacity between Victoria and New South Wales.
In its determination, AER said: “The grounds of dispute raised ... do not relate to the application of the (regulatory test), or fall under other categories of dispute which may be raised. Accordingly, the AER is required to reject these grounds of dispute on the basis that they are misconceived or lacking in substance.”