A remarkable fact cited by ANSTO Chairman Dr Ziggy Switkowski is that of the world's 25 leading economies, only Australia either does not use or is not contemplating using nuclear energy as part of its long term energy strategy.

Dr Switkowski says Australia is overly reliant on unproved renewable and carbon capture and storage technologies for its long term energy planning. He says we are at risk of losing our comparative advantage in having access to abundant, low-cost energy sources if we do not quickly begin active consideration of development of a nuclear energy program.

He was speaking at a business lunch organised by the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia to discuss the need for expanded uranium mining and the establishment of a nuclear energy sector.

Dr Switkowski says we should be aiming to have 50 nuclear reactors operating by 2050, supplying ninety per cent of our electricity.

AUA Executive Director Michael Angwin, also speaking at the luncheon, said for those who were interested in developing a nuclear power sector here, the best place to start would be in overturning uranium mining bans in Queensland and the 'Cold War' legisation in New South Wales and Victoria that outlaws both uranium exploration and mining.

You can see a report of the discussion on ABCTV's Lateline Business program.

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In taking on Paul Howes’ pro-nuclear speech last week, Jim Green, a Friend of the Earth, tries to discredit Howes' argument by noting that he quotes 'industry-funded' research by Professor Manfred Lenzen of Sydney University's Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis.   The fact the research was funded by the AUA is supposed to destroy its credibility.  What Jim doesn’t mention is that the Centre has also undertaken research for the Australian Conservation Foundation.   

In fact, the ACF's Don Henry liked Professor Lenzen’s Centre so much he has said this about it on the Centre's website:

I would like to particularly commend the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) at the University of Sydney for providing cutting-edge leadership in developing the economic and scientific tools and thinking that will drive a more sustainable future for Australia.

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