Smart Energy Council Challenges Dutton’s “Base Load Power” Claims, and Pours Cold Water On Dutton’s Nuclear Ambitions

In the ongoing debate over Australia’s energy future, tensions have flared over what constitutes a reliable and sustainable power supply.

PREFACE: We don’t typically post political subjects here, but as no one in the MSM is covering this – we will.

The Smart Energy Council’s CEO, John Grimes, has publicly rebuked Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s recent remarks that renewable energy lacks sufficient “baseload power.” Grimes called Dutton’s statements “utter rubbish” and argued that the concept of “baseload power” is a relic of the 1950s that fails to reflect modern energy capabilities.

During a recent address, Grimes dismantled Dutton’s portrayal of renewables as unreliable, pointing out that today’s technology, including advanced energy storage and grid management systems, enables renewables to provide consistent and resilient power. The use of “baseload power,” Grimes said, has been “utterly debunked” by energy experts worldwide.

Grimes further argued that nuclear energy, often touted as an alternative by Dutton, poses significant financial and environmental risks. He cited the UK’s Hinkley Point C project, which has faced delays and cost overruns, and Ontario’s nuclear investment, which nearly bankrupted the province’s Hydro One utility. Tim Lamacraft from the Smart Energy Council added to the critique, highlighting the problematic waste produced by nuclear energy—far more than Dutton’s claim that it’s “the size of a Coke can.”

Grimes’s and Lamacraft’s remarks underscore a call for Australia to adopt a future-oriented energy policy that embraces renewables, providing a clear and fact-based counter to Dutton’s nuclear ambitions.

The Outdated Concept of Base Load Power

Grimes argues that relying on the idea of “base load power” fails to account for how renewable energy can support modern grids. Unlike in the mid-20th century, today’s technology—including battery storage, smart grids, and diversified renewable sources—allows for consistent and resilient energy supply without a need for centralized, fossil-fuel-based “base load” plants. By clinging to this outdated notion, he contends, the opposition is distorting public understanding of renewable energy’s potential to provide reliable power across Australia.

International Examples: The Case Against Nuclear

Grimes also pointed to significant international nuclear projects as examples of why Australia should not pursue nuclear energy, especially given Dutton’s advocacy for it as a reliable energy alternative. He cited the UK’s Hinkley Point C nuclear plant, which was initially expected to be operational by 2017.

The project has faced extensive delays and budget overruns, now slated for completion in 2031 and billions of pounds over budget. Similarly, Grimes referenced Ontario, Canada, where investment in nuclear energy financially crippled the province’s Hydro One utility, demonstrating the economic pitfalls of nuclear as a solution.

Nuclear Waste and Environmental Concerns

Adding to the concerns, Tim Lamacraft from the Smart Energy Council highlighted the environmental issues associated with nuclear energy, particularly regarding waste management. Contrary to Dutton’s claim that the waste generated is minimal—“the size of a coke can”—Lamacraft clarified that nuclear waste storage is a complex and hazardous issue that requires long-term, safe disposal solutions, often involving massive amounts of waste that remain radioactive for thousands of years.

A Call for Honest Communication and Modern Solutions

Grimes and Lamacraft’s comments underscore a need for greater transparency and honesty in the political debate around energy policy in Australia. By emphasising renewable options and pointing out the drawbacks of nuclear investments, they argue for a shift toward sustainable energy practices that address Australia’s unique energy needs without undue economic or environmental risks.

In conclusion, Grimes and Lamacraft’s criticisms shed light on the need for a modern energy discourse that looks beyond outdated concepts like “base load power” and addresses the practicalities of renewable energy and storage solutions.

Their comments reflect the Smart Energy Council’s broader push for Australia to embrace a future built on clean, efficient, and sustainable energy sources.