A Canadian state energy minister, Todd Smith, has suggested that Australia should consider adopting nuclear power as part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions. Smith highlighted Ontario as an example, stating that the province generates approximately 60 percent of its energy from nuclear sources. In contrast, Canada as a whole generates about 15 percent of its energy from nuclear power.
Smith responded to Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowens’ opposition to nuclear power by pointing to Ontario’s experience, which contradicts claims that nuclear power is too expensive. Smith mentioned that Ontario produces nuclear power at a cost of approximately 9 or 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), translating to about 15 cents/kWh during peak hours. In comparison, Australian energy costs about 25 cents/kWh in Queensland and 28 cents/kWh in New South Wales.
Australia’s federal Labor government has committed to generating 82 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with nuclear power not being considered. Australia has prohibited the widespread use of nuclear technology since the 1990s. Smith attributed Ontario’s higher electricity prices to the previous Liberal government’s subsidization of wind and solar power.
Critics of nuclear energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) argue that the technology is not proven to be safe and affordable. However, Smith defended nuclear power, stating that it has been proven effective and safe for over 60 years. He referred to SMRs as a scaled-down version of existing nuclear technology in North America. The Ontario government plans to construct the country’s first on-grid and off-grid SMRs, positioning itself as a leader in SMR development and deployment.
Ontario’s government website describes SMRs as smaller and more flexible than conventional nuclear reactors, capable of generating two to 300 megawatts of electricity for small communities. In comparison, conventional nuclear reactors can generate 600 to 1,000 megawatts of electricity or more, sufficient for a large city.
Australia’s power generation plans revolve around solar and wind energy. A report from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) suggests that renewables are the cheapest form of energy, with the price of batteries expected to decrease over time. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasized the need to invest in solar and wind to reduce energy costs. He stated that nuclear energy was not a viable option due to its commercial immaturity and high cost.
Ultimately, Smith’s endorsement of nuclear power comes from Ontario’s successful utilization of this energy source, even in the face of cost concerns. Australia, on the other hand, is focused on expanding its renewable energy capacity and does not currently have plans to pursue nuclear power.