A war of words has erupted in Australia over the country’s energy future. At the center of the controversy is the CSIRO, the country’s top science agency. The CSIRO has been accused of being “absurd” for refusing to back down from its findings that nuclear power is more expensive than renewable energy sources.
The CSIRO’s report, which was released recently, shows that nuclear power plants would cost between $145 and $238 per megawatt hour, while renewable energy sources would cost between $80 and $122 per megawatt hour by 2030. The report also debunks several arguments made by nuclear lobbyists, including claims about the lifespan and capacity factor of nuclear power plants.
Despite the CSIRO’s findings, some politicians, including Peter Dutton, are continuing to push for nuclear power. Dutton has accused the CSIRO of being biased and has called for the agency to be investigated.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate about the role of science in policymaking. While some argue that the CSIRO should stick to the facts and avoid getting involved in politics, others say that the agency has a responsibility to speak truth to power and to provide policymakers with accurate information.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the CSIRO’s report has struck a nerve. The agency’s refusal to back down from its findings has sparked a heated debate about the country’s energy future and the role of science in policymaking.
