In the latest instalment of Paint by Numbers, Crikey’s new series about the big issues of the day told via the numbers, we lay out the absurdity of the recurring nuclear energy debate.
Years since the Ziggy Switkowski report on nuclear energy for the Howard government: 17.
Years Switkowski predicted it would likely take to build a new nuclear power plant: 15.
The earliest we could open a nuclear power plant, according to former chief scientist Alan Finkel: 2040s.
The latest coal power stations are due to be decommissioned: 2038.
Years since France (the world’s biggest user of nuclear) launched its first atomic reactor: 76.
Years since the UK government announced plans for the Hinkley nuclear power plant: 14.
Projected delay (so far) on completing the Hinkley nuclear power plant: 14 years.
Years since the Chernobyl disaster: 38 (as of April 26).
Years until the immediate zone around Chernobyl is safe to inhabit again: 20,000.
Years since the Fukushima plant disaster: 13.
Years the Fukushima clean-up and decommissioning is set to take: 30-40.
Age of the oldest member of Parliament in Australian history: 90 years.
The age that nuclear advocate Bob Katter will be by the earliest time Australia could open a nuclear power plant: 93.
