The Climate Change Authority's latest report confirms the risks of delaying a clean energy future in favour of nuclear power will lead to higher emissions and increased costs for households.
The report warns that the Coalition's nuclear energy proposal could add a staggering 2 billion tonnes of emissions while increasing costs for households, resulting in Australia missing its 2030 emissions targets and delaying the transition to clean energy until 2042.
"This report confirms our worst fears - betting on nuclear power isn't just expensive, it's a lose-lose for Australian families. Every year we waste waiting on nuclear means higher power bills and more emissions," Jo Dodds, spokesperson for Australians for Affordable Energy, said.
"The Climate Change Authority has done the hard numbers. They're telling us that going down the nuclear path means we'll miss our 2030 targets and won't get clean energy until 2042. That's an extra 2 billion tonnes of emissions while we sit around waiting for nuclear plants that might never show up.
"Guess who pays for the delay? Everyday Australians - through their power bills and taxes."
Crucial questions about the impact nuclear power will have on household budgets remain unanswered.
"Australians still need answers to fundamental questions: What is it going to cost? When will it actually deliver? What happens to our bills while we wait? What happens to our emissions?" Ms Dodds said.
"Families are already struggling with the cost of living and they can't afford to bankroll expensive nuclear experiments that won't deliver for decades all while their bills continue to rise. Every year we spend chasing nuclear dreams instead of getting on with real solutions is another year of higher costs for Australian households.
"We need to have a serious talk about our energy choices. This report makes it crystal clear - nuclear means paying more to get less and waiting longer to get it.
"Australian families deserve better."
Australians for Affordable Energy is urging policymakers to focus on practical, cost-effective energy solutions that can deliver cleaner, more affordable power right now—not in decades.
