Australia’s Nuclear Energy Plan Could Add 2 Billion Tonnes of Emissions by 2050

New Climate Change Authority analysis warns the Coalition’s nuclear proposal undermines emissions targets and delays renewable energy transition.

The Climate Change Authority (CCA) projects that the Coalition's nuclear energy plan would result in an additional 2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2050.
The emissions increase is linked to extended reliance on coal-fired power plants while nuclear reactors are constructed, delaying renewable energy adoption.
Under the nuclear plan, Australia would miss its 2030 target of a 43% emissions reduction, achieving only 37% by that year and delaying net zero goals.
The report highlights that nuclear energy would not reach 82% of the grid until 2042, 12 years later than the current renewable energy pathway.
Experts caution that delays and cost overruns, common in nuclear projects globally, could further exacerbate emissions and economic impacts.