Robert Parker, a civil engineer and ex-president of the Australian Nuclear Association, walks us through Australia's misguided energy aspirations, and what it will take to get the country on track for a feasible and affordable low-carbon power grid. By repealing its ban on nuclear, the island continent could get up to speed on nuclear by collaborating with countries that have maintained a thriving sector, like Canada. In addition to proposing an Australia-Canada partnership on nuclear, Parker offers insight on the notion that Australia will somehow become a renewable energy and hydrogen superpower; on what he calls Australia's "RELIC" economy; and on the nuclear technologies and energy mix the country should embrace.
Interview in a nutshell
Robert Parker, former president of the Australian Nuclear Association, argues for nuclear power in Australia to address climate change and energy security. He advocates for a hybrid approach using both large reactors and small modular reactors, with Canada as a potential partner.
Episode overview
Robert Parker, a civil engineer and nuclear advocate, discusses Australia's energy crisis and makes the case for nuclear power. He critiques Australia's renewable-heavy energy policies as unrealistic and economically damaging. Parker argues for a hybrid nuclear system with both large reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). He sees great potential in partnering with Canada to deploy SMRs, praising Ontario's nuclear expertise. Parker emphasizes the importance of proven designs, vertical integration, and strong project management for successful nuclear builds. He also discusses the challenges of public perception and the need for objective energy planning.
About the guest
Robert Parker is the former president of the Australian Nuclear Association and a civil engineer with decades of global construction experience. He holds a master's in nuclear science and advocates for nuclear energy to address climate change.
Quotes
“Australia is fast becoming what I call a RELIC economy… based on real estate, legalese, insurance, and the C-word: coffee. We're outsourcing our means of production, destroying the creativity of our nation." - Robert Parker
"Our analysis showed that, on a cost basis, a nuclear system in Australia would be close to half the price of a renewable system. One of the really big factors is that we can put a nuclear system in place on the Australian grid and we don't need to change the grid. If you put a renewable system in, you need at least 10,000 kilometers of new transmission, and probably more." - Robert Parker
Deeper dive
According to Parker:
Australia's electricity prices have tripled in some areas, from 24 cents/kWh to 68 cents/kWh
This price spike is primarily due to unreliable coal plants and intermittent renewables, not fuel costs
Australia lacks an integrated energy transition plan, leading to economic damage
The Snowy Hydro 2.0 pumped storage project has seen massive cost overruns, from $2 billion to $12-14 billion
Polling shows 51-52% of Australians support nuclear power when asked objectively
A hybrid nuclear system with 76% nuclear, 16-17% solar, and 8% hydro would provide the lowest cost option for Australia
Small modular reactors like the BWRX-300 are well-suited for Australia's long, thin grid
Partnering with Canada on SMRs makes sense due to similar laws, culture, and Ontario's nuclear expertise
Keywords: Nuclear energy, small modular reactors, energy crisis, Australia, Canada, civil engineering, energy policy
Entities named: James Hansen, Malcolm Turnbull, Chris Bowen, Ontario Power Generation, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, BWRX-300, Snowy Hydro 2.0
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