'Wake up to the reality': Nationals leader David Littleproud claims 2050 net zero goal not possible without nuclear energy

Sky News AU

2 days ago

Nationals leader David Littleproud has claimed Australia's goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is not possible without nuclear energy and other 'pragmatic approaches'.
Speaking to Sky News host Chris Kenny on Tuesday night, Mr Littleproud said the Labor government's 'all renewables approach' would bring a 'far more harsher' experience for Australians than just energy bills going up.
'We're living with the physical consequence of our prime agricultural land being ripped up with transmission lines, solar panels and wind turbines, and the actual natural environment's also being destroyed in trying to achieve this,' he said.
On Sunday, Energy Minister Chris Bowen recommitted to expanding renewables developments across the country in order to meet ambitious emissions reductions targets and reach net zero by 2050.
Mr Bowen also suggested Australia could soon introduce targeted tariffs on imports deemed emissions-intensive.
Mr Littleproud said his party, which represents regional Australians, had been 'sensible' with its technology agnostic approach.
'We should have nuclear energy as part of that solution. But you should also look at countries that are looking at having a mixed energy grid, not an all renewables approach,' he said, referencing Japan.
'Japan's importing our coal and gas, burning it, capturing it, and bringing it back here and storing it here in Australia.'
Asked if it was possible for a developed economy to achieve net zero by 2050, Mr Littleproud said it would not be a realistic goal 'without nuclear energy or carbon capture storage', as well as other 'pragmatic approaches' like using methane for agricultural purposes.
'Unless we see that, then obviously I think the world is going to have a realisation that's going to be very difficult. In fact, they're realising that now,' he said.
'Many of the countries that have made these grand commitments are now saying, 'look, the easy stuff has already been done, the hard stuff now is costing us a lot' and there is going to be a realisation at some point.'
Mr Littleproud said Australia was 'blessed' to have sovereignty of its resources but insisted a mixed grid and 'sensible economy' was within reach.
The Nationals leader added a mixed grid would give Australia with a healthy environment and create a 'far wealthier country', but called for the extreme parties in the energy debate to 'lay down their arms' and 'wake up to the reality'.