The Coalition spokesman said its goal was to provide zero net emissions to Victoria in 2050.
“Renewables will be a crucial part of this combination to meet Victorian’s high social and environmental expectations while providing a reliable and affordable source of energy to keep lights and heaters on.”
Four coalition MPs, including two leaders, speaking to The Age on condition of anonymity, also indicated some support for nuclear power to be included in Australia’s future energy mix.
“It should not be completely ruled out,” said a Coalition leader. “We should always re-evaluate these things.”
Another MP told The Age that there should be an open conversation about the use of nuclear technologies given the rising costs of energy.
Smith, who left politics in November after crashing his car while driving drunk last year, agreed, saying the federal debate was “timely and welcome” given the state’s basic energy requirements. .
Former shadow Attorney General Tim Smith said any serious opposition or government should be open to a discussion on nuclear power. Credit: Paul Jeffers
“Given the widespread acceptance of the need for nuclear-powered submarines, it was inevitable that the discussion would shift to a national nuclear power industry,” Smith said.
“The supply, reliability and cost of energy in Victoria is a crucial policy area with the imminent closure of Yallourn.”
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In 2020, a Victorian parliamentary committee was tasked with studying the potential benefits of removing the ban on nuclear technologies to see if it would help reduce emissions.
The committee, which included coalition MPs Bach Bach and Melina Bath, heard evidence that small modular reactor technology would be “as clean as renewables” and “greatly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”
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