It will be 44 per cent cheaper to reach a net zero energy grid under the Coalition, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said today, as Frontier Economics analysis showed the Coalition's approach to energy policy - including nuclear power - will cost $263 billion compared to Labor's nearly $600 billion renewables-only plan.

"Australians face soaring energy costs, record levels of hardship, small business insolvencies, and growing uncertainty under Labor’s renewables-only energy plan," Dr Webster said.

"Labor’s energy plan comes at five times the cost Australians were initially promised. This excessive burden is already being felt by Mallee families and businesses, with energy bills rising by up to 52 per cent and more than 25,000 businesses forced to close their doors in part due to skyrocketing energy costs.

"In contrast, the Coalition’s approach integrates zero-emissions nuclear energy alongside renewables and gas, delivering a total system cost significantly lower than Labor’s. This means reduced power bills for households, lower operating costs for small businesses, and a stronger, more resilient economy.

"Anthony Albanese promised Australians a $275 cut to their power bills, but instead, families are paying up to $1,000 more under Labor’s costly and chaotic energy policies.

"Labor’s ‘renewables-only’ experiment is costing Australians five times more than originally promised, driving energy prices higher and small businesses to the brink.

"Over 25,000 small businesses have already closed, and families are entering hardship arrangements with their energy providers at the rate of 560 per week. Australians can’t afford Labor’s costly energy policies."

Under the Coalition’s plan, Australia will meet net zero emissions by 2050 – one year earlier than Labor – while generating fewer emissions beyond 2050. Under Anthony Albanese, emissions are higher now than when the Coalition left office.

"By avoiding Labor’s unnecessary overdevelopment on pristine landscapes and farmland, the Coalition ensures a more sustainable and responsible shift from coal to zero emissions nuclear," Dr Webster said.

Labor’s plan will see 90 per cent of Australia’s 24/7 baseload power forced out of the system by 2034, leaving the grid vulnerable to blackouts and instability.

In contrast, the Coalition’s approach ensures retiring coal plants are replaced with reliable, zero-emissions nuclear energy, supported by renewables, gas, and storage – not relying solely on a weather-dependent energy source.

By 2050, the Coalition plan will deliver up to 14 GW of nuclear energy, guaranteeing consistent and stable electricity for all Australians.

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