A successful transition to clean energy is vital to Australia’s prosperity. But the Coalition’s latest nuclear salvo leaves many unanswered questions.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Coal-fired power plants
Displaying all articles
It seems increasingly clear the Coalition’s nuclear policy would prolong Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels, at a time when the world is rapidly moving to far cleaner sources of power.
The only way to make nuclear power work in Australia is to unplug cheap renewables. Stop exporting electricity from rooftop solar system. Forget feed-in tarrifs. Everyone use baseload nuclear first.
Our research looked at alternative jobs on offer for 766 NSW coal mine workers. We found some, like electricians, would find work easily – but without local retraining, others may have had to move.
After 30 years of democracy, South Africa is in a deep electricity crisis which can only be solved if the government moves speedily to set up solar and wind plants.
The closure of Australia’s coal-fired power stations will be challenging. The car industry experience provides lessons on how to protect workers and families.
The key to a successful energy transition away from coal is good institutional quality supported by anti-corruption procedures and clear rules.
Australia’s move towards net zero emissoions by 2020 is in danger of stalling. If it is not to fail, the nation urgently needs a government plan, aligned with industry and with public support.
The likely El Niño is bad timing for the electricity sector, and means Australians may face supply disruptions and volatile prices.
Look for hidden trade-offs, political contributions and what businesses are not telling you.
Top contributors
-
Senior Research Associate, Renewable Energy & Energy Systems Analyst, UNSW Sydney
-
Senior Research Fellow, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
-
Research fellow, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
-
Joint director, Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets, and Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney
-
Professor of Sustainable Science, Technology and Commerce and Business Economics, University of Michigan
-
Professor of Economics, University of Pretoria
-
Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute
-
Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Development, Stellenbosch University
-
Adjunct Professor, Australian Urban Design Research Centre, The University of Western Australia
-
Visiting research fellow, Australian National University
-
Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute
-
Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University
