Energy Minister Chris Bowen hits out at Coalition's "risky" nuclear power plans

What was supposed to be a regular Labor press conference pledging a 30 percent subsidy on solar batteries on Monday ended with Energy Minister Chris Bowen throwing a few barbs at the Opposition Leader’s energy plans.

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What is the Opposition’s nuclear plan?

The Coalition has released a plan to transition seven current or former coal power plants to nuclear sites, including two sites in NSW, two in Queensland, and one each in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

AGL owns the Loy Yang power station, with plans to retire the plant in mid-2035.

The Coalition says its nuclear plan will cover over $300 billion, while some analysis has shown it could cost as much as $600 billion.

What is Labor’s stance on the Opposition’s plan?

Bowen said Dutton’s nuclear plan was “risky” in terms of cost and its overall value to Australia’s economy and the country’s energy usage.

“On nuclear, we’ve consistently pointed out that this policy crumbles at any scrutiny,” he said.

“$600 billion of taxpayer’s money on the most expensive form of energy in decades’ time when we need the cheapest form of energy now.

“The Liberal Party is struck dumb on nuclear.”

Bowen said Peter Dutton’s backflips on a number of different policies, including working from home and public service cuts should raise concerns over his leadership capabilities.

“Peter Dutton is not ready to be Prime Minister,” he said.

“The Liberal Party is not ready to be the government of Australia.”

Bowen also criticised the Liberal Party’s spokesperson for energy Ted O’Brien for not being out and about spruiking the Liberals’ nuclear plan.

“Now, maybe they’ve worked out that the Australian people see through their spin and that nuclear is the wrong plan for Australia,” he said.

“If Mr Dutton’s in the process of scrapping policies today, he should have a look at his $600 billion taxpayer-funded nuclear plan.”