Professor Barry Brook, University of Adelaide scientist, believes it is inevitable that Australia will become a user of the world’s most advanced nuclear power technology, if the country is serious about cutting carbon emissions.
Barry Brook blogs at Brave New Climate
Professor Barry Brook, Director of Climate Science at the University of Adelaide’s Environment Institute, says Australia will eventually turn to nuclear power to meet our sustainable energy needs – and when we do, we will choose to focus on next-generation nuclear technology that provides major safety, waste and cost benefits.
Professor Brook’s forecast timeline for nuclear power in Australia:
2020 – Public and political debate heightens as need for reliable low-carbon electricity mounts
2025 – First reactor contracts issued, Small Modular Reactors (SMR) built in outback mining sites
2030 – 3 GWe (gigawatt electrical) of nuclear power connects to national electricity grid
2040 – Up to 5 GWe of new capacity being installed per year
2050 – A total of 30-50 GWe installed, located at a dozen ‘energy park’ sites and various remote areas
2100 – >100 GWe installed for total energy displacement, including replacing oil and gas needs
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