Essays by Eric Worrall
Why can Australia build and operate nuclear submarines, but cannot use nuclear power to produce carbon-free electricity?
Labor split over nuclear as Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek reject SA Premier Peter Malinauskas’ energy push
Labor appears divided on nuclear energy with Anthony Albanese and a senior Cabinet minister slapping the party’s South Australian Prime Minister after he called for “openness” to a zero-carbon alternative.
Tyrone Clarke digital reporter
December 5, 2022 – 1:10pmPrime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Cabinet colleague Tanya Plibersek fired Labor Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas after he criticized “unwarranted” opposition to nuclear energy.
The Prime Minister said he hoped the construction of eight nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia would “break some of the myths” surrounding the alternative energy solution.
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“As for my view of nuclear energy for consumption or civilian use, I have always thought that the ideological opposition that exists in some areas to nuclear energy is not,” said Mr. Malinauskas. basis. Advertiser.
“Nuclear power is a zero-carbon base-load energy source. So for someone like me who is dedicated to the decarbonization effort, I think we should be open to those technologies and I think it would be crazy to have a different approach.”
But some of the Prime Minister’s federal allies were quick to dismiss his comments as the Coalition continued to lead the debate.
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Australia’s reluctance to embrace nuclear submarines is a long overdue strategic necessity.
My former military friends describe Australia’s fleet of conventional diesel-powered submarines as “floating coffins”.
The problem is that Australia’s aging fleet of diesel submarines can be neutralized in a matter of hours by a long-range heavy missile bombardment of Australian submarine bases and fuel depots. Within weeks of the destruction of the fuel depots, our fleet of diesel submarines would be powerless.
Nuclear submarines will be much more difficult to disable. Even if Australia’s supply infrastructure were completely destroyed, the superior range and underwater capabilities of a nuclear submarine would allow an Australian nuclear submarine to destroy a convoy. enemy, then sprint underwater to Hawaii or San Diego to rearm.
But Australia’s rush to acquire nuclear submarines is making opponents of civilian nuclear power look like idiots. How can nuclear energy be so dangerous and impractical for civilian use, when we are rushing to use nuclear energy to protect the nation?
Exciting times ahead, for Australia’s zero-carbon push.
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