This TEDx discussion from Scott Tinkler back in May 19 2022 gives a perspective of the energy challenges being faced globally.

“Physics wins. Physics always wins in the long run, and that means denser forms of energy for the most part. Now you need mixed portfolios. You have to have a lot of options and choices. Don’t mandate things away. Bad idea. But in the end, hydrogen, natural gas, nuclear drive a lot of the future with a lot of other things mixed into that portfolio.”Scott Tinker 10 Dec 2023 [9]

There are lots of areas where a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education in Australia could be used far more productively to drive low emissions technologies that have a global impact. These includes contributing to:

• Nuclear fission – large scale light water reactors (LWRs)
• Nuclear fission – small modular reactors (SMRs)
• Nuclear fission – fast breeder reactors
• Nuclear fusion
• Clean coal technologies
• Carbon capture and storage
• Hydrogen production industry
• Taking ownership of nuclear fuel production, instead of just exporting uranium
• Greater responsibility for radioactive waste management (globally)
• Strategy to move away from relying on coal exports, through innovation

The key to adopting a more responsible approach to reducing emissions, is as noted by Scott Tinker “Don’t mandate things away – bad idea.”  [9] Our current nuclear energy bans are out of touch with this global imperative.

References

1. Global Energy Monitor: “China’s coal power spree could see over 300 coal plants added before emissions peak” https://globalenergymonitor.org/press-release/chinas-coal-power-spree-could-see-over-300-coal-plants-added-before-emissions-peak/
2. International Energy Agency: “What the data centre and AI boom could mean for the energy sector” https://www.iea.org/commentaries/what-the-data-centre-and-ai-boom-could-mean-for-the-energy-sector
3. NPR: “Trump is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (again), reversing U.S. climate policy”  https://www.npr.org/2025/01/21/nx-s1-5266207/trump-paris-agreement-biden-climate-change
4. High North News: “Trump Signs Order to Maximize Resource Development in Alaska” https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/trump-signs-order-maximize-resource-development-alaska
5. Reuters: “Trump halt on offshore wind power leases hits European companies”  https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/orsted-shares-down-17-us-project-stumbles-trumps-anti-wind-power-policy-hits-2025-01-21/
6. Business World: “More coal, more growth, cheaper electricity” https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2025/01/09/645399/more-coal-more-growth-cheaper-electricity/
7. Australian Financial Review: “Household hardship mounts as energy prices increase” https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/household-hardship-mounts-as-energy-prices-increase-20241202-p5kv72
8. MIT Technology Review: “The $2.5 trillion reason we can’t rely on batteries to clean up the grid” https://www.technologyreview.com/2018/07/27/141282/the-25-trillion-reason-we-cant-rely-on-batteries-to-clean-up-the-grid/#:~:text=But%20there’s%20a%20problem%20with,projects%20are%20designed%20to%20fill.
9. Rainforest Reserves Australia: “Queensland wilderness is facing an assault from “Queensland Renewable Energy Zones” policy” https://www.rainforestreserves.org.au/impacts-of-largescale-renewables
10. The Australian: “Dead sheep, locked gates, police complaints in high-voltage battle” https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/dead-sheep-locked-gates-police-complaints-in-highvoltage-battle-over-transmission-towers/news-story/4cd9cf95d89dca3538077d35d9c1d99c&ved=2ahUKEwiF6uSK7peLAxVpT2wGHXoYCgAQFnoECBsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1U9AcwA651kliUXqF6Q6j1
11. Hart Energy: “Physics Wins’ – Scott Tinker on the Energy Transition’s Future”
    https://www.hartenergy.com/exclusives/physics-wins-scott-tinker-energy-transitions-future-207463