Overview

An optimum mix of nuclear energy plus variable renewables delivers the least system cost electricity generation. This benefit increases significantly when operating on our existing compact grid. This maximises the use of our existing assets while also eliminating excessive reliance on storage, system services, redundancy and backup. Suitable nuclear power plants for operation on the NEM are available right now and would provide us with the lowest environmental footprint of any energy solution.

Learning outcomes 

The following topics will be explored: 

• As reported by the United Nations Economic Commissions for Europe, nuclear energy has the lowest carbon emissions of any generating source and behind small hydro has the second lowest overall environmental impact. 
• Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) such as wind and solar generation has a poor track record in achieving deep carbon emissions reductions. 
• VRE fails to provide low cost energy on a system wide basis.
• VRE drives up the costs of the most expensive part of energy delivery – namely transmission and distribution. This together with system services and storage significantly exceeds the low generating costs of wind and solar. 
• A system where nuclear energy provides the dominant source of generation is the least cost option providing energy at lower cost than a 100% renewable system.
• Nuclear power plants suited to the NEM exist now and can be deployed without further delay.

Program 

In person Newcastle:

• 5.30 pm AEST: Networking and refreshments
• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commences
• 7.00 pm AEST: Presentation concludes

Webinar:

• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commences
• 7.00 pm AEST: Presentation concludes

About the presenter

Robert Parker

Founder, Nuclear for Climate Australia

Biography

Robert Parker graduated in 1974 as a Civil Engineer from the University of New South Wales and obtained a Masters in Engineering Science. He spent 40 years in engineering design, project management and project development. Concern with the need to reduce carbon emissions led to the completion of a Masters in Nuclear Science at ANU and continued study into the provision of energy in Australia and the nuclear fuel cycle. Rob was the past President and Vice President of the Australian Nuclear Association. He has visited nuclear power plants, fuel manufacturing facilities, fabrication facilities and waste disposal sites in the USA, France, Canada and South Korea.