Nuclear power may be an option for Australia in the coming decades, potentially occupying a supportive niche, providing dispatchable power in a high-renewables grid. While not presupposing the suitability of nuclear power for Australia, ATSE suggests that all technology options should be considered as part of Australia’s urgent decarbonisation project.
ATSE's submission to the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Action Plan outlines the importance of the transport sector the Australia’s zero emissions target, with transport expected to be the largest source of emissions by 2030.
SMRs could potentially form part of Australia’s future low-carbon energy mix, utilising existing transmission infrastructure and contributing to baseload power, or providing dispatchable power in a high-renewables grid. As an emerging technology, in 2024 the cost and operational performance of this technology has not yet been demonstrated.
ATSE thanks the Climate Change Authority for the opportunity to comment on the 2024 Issues Paper. Setting 2035 emissions reduction goals is particularly timely in the context of the Government’s six sectoral plans for decarbonisation.
ATSE supports a comprehensive plan for Australia's transition to electric vehicles. Australia is in a prime position to thrive in the global EV market.
A successful Australian hydrogen energy market strategy should couple economic goals with climate goals. Hydrogen production presents an opportunity to diversify the export economy and reach new markets as demand for Australia’s traditional fossil fuel commodity exports declines.