The Coalition reveals the cost of its nuclear power plan – but the devil is in the missing detail

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The Coalition has released long-awaited detail on its nuclear energy policy, claiming its plan to build seven nuclear power stations would be A$263 billion cheaper than Labor’s renewables-only approach.

The figures are contained in an analysis prepared by Frontier Economics. I’ve conducted preliminary analysis of the document, and found key assumptions that differ from other similar analyses, including that from Australia’s premier science organisation, CSIRO.

What’s more, the analysis is lacking crucial information about how the figures were calculated. This prevents researchers and the public from understanding the full implications of the Coalition’s policy.

A successful transition to clean energy is vital if Australia is to tackle the climate crisis. It’s also central to addressing rising power bills and keeping the economy on track. There is more than one way to lower Australia’s emissions, but the Coalition has work to do before next year’s election to show voters it has a reliable plan.