Antinuclear

Reactors thirsty for water

Anne O’Hara, Wanniassa, ACT,  https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/delve-into-details-before-voting-for-dutton-s-nuclear-vision-20250304-p5lgrs 4 Mar 25

Thanks to The Australian Financial Review for a balanced and informative article on the Coalition’s nuclear policy (“Dutton’s nuclear bid short on detail, but who cares?”). It’s no wonder numerous studies show nuclear power to be one of the least popular energy sources for Australian voters

Cost and time are two major drawbacks. The 10-year delay in building the reactors is set to blow Australia’s carbon budget right out of the water. Speaking of which, where will the water come from to operate these reactors? The proposed reactors would use up to three times the amount needed for coal, posing a threat to drinking supply and irrigation for farms.

Despite the loud opposition to wind and solar projects by a small minority, research shows that over two-thirds of people in the regions already support renewables. A nuclear energy policy will hardly be a vote-winner in rural areas, where water supply is crucial.

March 5, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | water