Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan could cost as much as $600bn and supply just 3.7% of Australia’s energy by 2050, analysis suggests

The UK’s Hinkley Point C nuclear plant. Cost overruns in the UK could mean a $600bn bill to Australian taxpayers, the Smart Energy Council says. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

The Coalition’s pledge to build seven nuclear reactors as part of its controversial energy plan could cost taxpayers as much as $600bn while supplying just 3.7% of Australia’s energy mix by 2050, according to the Smart Energy Council.

The analysis found the plan would cost a minimum of $116bn – the same cost as delivering the Albanese government’s plan for 82% renewables by 2030, and an almost 100% renewable energy mix by 2050.