Howard: Australia Could Be Nuclear Superpower

Prime Minister John Howard says Australia could become an energy "superpower", but he has angered green campaigners who accuse him of looking after industry rather than the environment.

While protesters and political opponents claimed he had done nothing to curb climate change, Mr Howard said Australia could supply the world with low-cost energy.

He told the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) that his government would encourage further exploration of oil and continue to develop renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind and solar.

Mr Howard also said Australia could not afford to ignore developments in nuclear energy, especially as the country has close to 40 per cent of the world's known low-cost uranium deposits.

"Australia's energy exports are forecast to grow to around $45 billion in 2006-07, more than three times what we earned last year from meat, grains and wool combined," he told a CEDA business lunch.

"Australia can, and should, supply the domestic and world economies with low-cost energy.

"With the right policies, we have the makings of an energy superpower."

Looks like things will be hopping in Canberra, September 4-5, site of the nation's national nuclear conference.

Technorati tags: Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power, Electricity, Environment, Energy, Politics, Technology, Economics, Australia

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