Australians have split on nuclear power after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton triggered a pivotal clash on energy and climate, with 41 per cent of voters backing the shift to atomic energy while 37 per cent reject the idea.
But renewable projects have far stronger support, with a clear majority of 73 per cent in favour, amid warnings that investment in wind and solar may weaken after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton promised to set up seven nuclear plants if he wins the next election. Labor sought to turn the tables on the Coalition on Sunday by seizing on claims it would cost $600 billion to build the seven nuclear plants, days after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “economic madness” to develop nuclear projects when wind and solar delivered cheaper energy.
Voters strongly prefer renewables to all other forms of energy, with 73 per cent in favour of renewables in general. This climbed to 84 per cent for rooftop solar, the most popular option. Asked to give their reasons for opposing nuclear, voters named safety and the disposal of radioactive waste as key issues, as well as the time required to build the plants.
“You need another energy source that supplies baseload power – wind and solar don’t do that,” said one respondent. Another said: “It’s better than burning coal or gas. I can’t believe the greenies are against it.”
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