A self-funded report analysing 13 specific benchmarks to identify the most efficient energy source to replace two small coal-fired power stations at Port Augusta in South Australia was unveiled by ThinkClimate Consulting Director, Ben Heard at the Paydirt 2013 Uranium Conference. The report, named Zero Carbon Options – Seeking an Economic Mix for an Environmental Outcome. Heard stated that “If as a country, we continue to say ‘no’ to nuclear energy as a way of addressing climate change, we better damn well  be sure we know why we are saying ‘no’. To my knowledge, nothing like this has ever been done before anywhere in the world. One of the advantages of this report is the fact it is based on actual case study – powering the Port Augusta electricity stations – so can easily be used as a blueprint for similar plants utilised anywhere in the world.”

The report used a multi-criteria analysis to compare nuclear energy against a hybrid renewable option (combining solar and wind) including capital cost, operational waste, land use, water consumption, job creation, lifespan of plant, reliability and existing global and national generational capacity.

 Hear said “Across the board, the results stand for themselves – less start-up costs, lower cost electricity, much smaller land use, no use of fresh water, more reliable generation capacity….the list goes on. The challenge of maintaining and building Australia’s economy while engaging in rapid decarbonisation is a daunting one, but to take the challenge without impartially exploring every available zero-carbon generation technology is unwise – and arguably, irresponsible.” Heard continued to say “our hope that this report will foster a more open and accountable decision of all the zero-carbon options that are currently available to us”.