Nuclear power deemed ‘slower’ than renewables by CSIRO

Finish fusion. These nuclear plants near Helsinki are the most efficient in the world. Now the Liberal Party want them here. This is one of the most profound changes of direction in energy policy in this country, certainly in my lifetime. But tonight the CSIRO forecasting construction of large scale nuclear plants would cost at least $8.5 billion and take at least 18 years. When up and running, nuclear power would cost between 155 dollars and $252 per MW hour to produce. Solar and wind, between 100 and 140 dollars? Well, that seems like a bargain compared to the $12 billion in counting we're spending on snowy 2.0. The CSIRO has completely torpedoed this uncosted nuclear fantasy of Peter Dutton's. This week in Darwin, the Nationals leader ruled out the NT role that the NT will play in our energy mix will be gas, gas and more gas, since we're ruling places in and out. Can you tell me, will there be a nuclear power plant in New South Wales? We've been very clear that the principle here is to focus on sites that are on or near current existing coal-fired generators, making the most likely sites central QLD between Rockhampton and Toowoomba, the Hunter in NSW, Gippsland in Victoria and Collie in WA. The important reason for this is that it means that you've got substantial costs that are otherwise necessary. Some in the Coalition say we'll know in weeks, others say months, but any delay makes it harder. To convince voters of this fundamental and complex change to our energy supply before the election, here's Peter Dutton complaining about energy prices and saying but don't worry, I've got a hugely expensive solution that I can get to you in a minimum of 15 years time. Charles Croucher 9 News Let's go live to Charles in Canberra. Charles, one in four workers in line for a pay rise. Good evening to you. Evening Pete. Yes. Unions want a 5% increase in minimum and award wages plus more for feminised occupations. More than two and a half million workers will be impacted by the decision of the Fair Work Commission they met in Sydney today. If awarded, the minimum wage would move to $24.39 an hour. Now business groups say that would hurt employment, arguing instead for a 2% bump. They point to productivity. And tax cuts for workers in the budget, one in four workers. People will be impacted by this decision, which will be handed down in the coming weeks. OK, Charles, thank you.