Pt 3. Talking Transformation with Ross Garnaut AC, hosted by Kate Chaney MP - 15 March 2023

21/3/23

Here are some key points discussed:

Small Companies and Decarbonization: Garnaut discusses the potential for small companies to drive decarbonization efforts if larger companies do not take action. He mentions recent amendments to the Land Administration Act in Western Australia that could facilitate the diversification of businesses, including renewable energy.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Garnaut talks about the challenges of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. He notes that capturing carbon dioxide from mixed gases is difficult, but capturing it from pure streams is more feasible. The storage part of the process is also challenging and expensive, but geological structures can be used to store carbon dioxide.

Renewable Energy and Backup Sources: The speaker discusses the challenges of relying on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, due to their intermittency. They also mention the importance of flexibility in energy processes and the potential use of hydrogen storage as a backup source of energy.

Nuclear Energy: The text discusses the role of nuclear energy in achieving a sustainable future. It suggests that nuclear energy can provide electricity more cheaply and reliably than renewable sources in some countries, but acknowledges the risks associated with nuclear accidents.

Uranium and Nuclear Power in Australia: Australia has a large resource of uranium, but only exports 8% of the world's uranium. The country's role as a supplier of uranium to countries that find it at the lowest cost is economically rational. The growth markets for uranium are China and India.

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Pt 2. Talking Transformation with Ross Garnaut AC, hosted by Kate Chaney MP - 15 March 2023