Wednesday, 2 August 2023

Energy policy

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (09:46): Recently during my travels in Europe I witnessed firsthand the vast fields of wind turbines in Germany, many of which were standing idle. This observation raises questions about the effectiveness and cost efficiency of wind energy. As we aim to move towards 95 per cent renewables by 2025 we must critically examine the implications of this ambitious goal. The potential costs of this transition cannot be overlooked. Our state is already grappling with substantial debt, and adding billions more for an unreliable energy source could have serious consequences for our financial stability. We must act responsibly to ensure that every dollar spent on our energy infrastructure delivers real value and reliability for our citizens.

In light of these concerns I propose that we learn from the experience of European countries such as Germany as they now move away from costly and unreliable renewables. It is prudent for us to explore the potential of nuclear power. By maintaining our existing coal-fired power stations during the transition to nuclear, we can secure a stable and continuous energy supply while also saving substantial sums of money. Let us strike a balance between our environmental aspirations and the economic realities we face. Embracing a diverse energy mix that includes reliable options like nuclear power will not only ensure energy security for our citizens but also lead us towards a sustainable future.