Australia faces an urgent need to decarbonise its energy grid as 90% of the coal-fired power fleet retires by 2035. Delaying coal’s exit risks severe economic, environmental and reliability consequences, including billions more emissions and potential blackouts. Accelerating renewable energy deployment is critical, yet a pragmatic, evidence-based approach must also consider all low-emission technologies, including nuclear, to ensure a resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future.

This report proposes that Australia needs a balance – building out renewable forms of energy balanced with prudent openness to emerging low-emission technologies, supported by clear environmental safeguards, comprehensive planning and immediate action to close the looming energy capacity gap, securing Australia’s energy future. It recommends avoiding polarising debates that frame renewables and nuclear as mutually exclusive, which risks policy paralysis.

Key recommendations

1. Establish clear, technology-neutral environmental and biodiversity standards.
2. Develop a comprehensive, costed energy transition master plan.
3. Urgently address energy shortfalls.
4. Invest in domestic nuclear research and maintain an open, evidence-based approach.