CANBERRA ¨C A plan by Australia¡¯s federal opposition that would slow the roll-out of renewable power and build a network of nuclear reactors has set the scene for a divisive confrontation on climate policy ahead of an election expected next year.
The opposition policy, unveiled last month, would replace the current government¡¯s emphasis on accelerating construction of solar, wind and batteries with one that envisages a greater role for fossil fuels while seven state-owned nuclear plants are built.
Energy analysts say this would lead to significantly higher emissions for at least two decades before significant nuclear power could come onto the grid ¡ª a claim the opposition rejects.
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