NUCLEAR power research will be given an additional boost and a...

NUCLEAR power research will be given an additional boost and a plan to help Australia contribute to the next generation of low waste nuclear energy systems.

In a speech delivered today, “Climate Change: the right balance for Australia”, Mr Howard said Australia cannot stand aloof from future developments surrounding nuclear power, particularly with 40 per cent of the world’s reserves of uranium.

“Nuclear power has no direct carbon dioxide emissions and is already a significant part of the world’s energy system,’’ he said today.

“Improved economic competitiveness and safety of nuclear power, along with concern for energy security and climate change, are leading to a steady increase in worldwide nuclear power capacity.’’

Mr Howard said the Government would spend $12.5 million on a Nuclear Collaborative Research Programme between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the university sector.

The research is designed to ensure Australia was part of the development of the global Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative – a multi-nation program looking at developing an advance form of nuclear generator which re-uses uranium fuel.

Mr Howard said the Coalition would not be driven by ideology as it tried to steer a path in a carbon-constrained world.

“With much at stake, we must not confuse panic with virtue,’’ he said.

“Australia’s climate change policy must be rational, far-sighted and sustainable.

“It needs to reflect our unique vulnerabilities and particularly economic strengths. It needs to be global, regional, national and local.

“This challenge I believe is best met by a blend of prudent conservatism and economic liberalism.
“A prudent conservative knows we are but temporary stewards of the environment. The Burkean sentiment – that society is a partnership between those who are living, those how are dead, and those who are to be born – comes as second nature.’’

Mr Howard used the speech to further spell out the shape Howard Government's proposed "cap and trade” emissions trading system to be operational by 2011.

It will include giving big carbon-polluting industries will be given a "safety valve" fee for their emissions as a way of limiting "unanticipated" costs as well as offering to recognise any work cutting emissions by companies before the system begins operation.

While the Coalition has promised that any price on carbon will be set low in order to minimise the effects on existing industries, after lobbying from industry there will be increased scope to keep any immediate impacts under control.

Under a plan for schools also outlined today $336 million will provided for green vouchers for schools to improve energy and water efficiency.

This means every school in Australia will be eligible for a voucher of up $50,000 to help install solar hot water systems and rainwater tanks.

Responding to the speech, Greenpeace energy campaigner Catherine Fitzpatrick said it was increasingly hard to take John Howard's stand on climate change seriously.

" Although there are some worthy elements in the Prime Minister's announcement, where is the real vision and leadership needed to genuinely move Australians away from climate change?,'' she said.

"If you read between the lines of the Prime Minister's speech, the clear signal being sent is that it is business-as-usual for the large industrial coal polluters.''

Ms Fitzpatrick said rather than invent a post Kyoto regime, Australia should join the international agreement which does not expire until 2012. This would allow Australia to be a full participant in the discussions.

"European countries, along with all other signatories, are part of a worldwide movement on climate change that has acted to make the deep cuts to emissions we know are needed, while Australia is way behind and will not be able to stop a rise in emissions unless we commit to a 30 per cent target,” she said.