FED:Broaden energy debate, scientist urges

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2010
FED:Broaden energy debate, scientist urges

CANBERRA, Dec 2 AAP - Nuclear power should not be ruled out, nor considered the only
solution to Australia's energy needs, the country's chief scientist Penny Sackett says.

With Labor appearing to split over the issue, Professor Sackett has urged Australia
to look at "a suite of energy options ... in the face of an uncertain future.

"What we mustn't do is become fixated on asking can one particular energy solution
solve all our problems," she told ABC Television on Wednesday.

"(Because) the answer to that is almost certainly no."

A new report suggesting nuclear power will be financially viable within 20 years has
sparked renewed debate within Labor about whether to change its policy.

But Prime Minister Julia Gillard has already played down the prospect of embracing
nuclear power, saying it did not "stack up economically".

Prof Sackett said most scientists and economists would recommend a "portfolio approach",
noting that energy needs are likely to change over time as technology advances.

She said a clear concern when considering energy sources was water consumption.

"The question is not only how much energy will it produce and how cheaply, but how
much water will be used in producing that energy," Prof Sackett said.

Asked directly whether Australia should go nuclear, she replied that all options should
be canvassed, including wind, while gas was likely to continue to be "an important part
of the mix".

AAP cj/jfm

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR SACKETT

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