Most arguments on this subject miss the point.
Nuclear cannot be up and running in time.
Renewables cannot be up and running in time (if ever).
If we are to have 100% power 100% of the time then gas and coal are
the only answers.

Contracts for gas power stations must be let NOW.
The life of the surviving coal fired stations must be extended.

Renewables are running very late and it looks like the existing
projects are in danger of being cancelled because of uncertain
government policies.
The government to try and stop the flight of capital from renewables
has increased subsidies promised.

The whole project has become a disaster, running very late and the
cost is just about uncalculatable.

Who let the government get involved in electricity generation ?
I don't think the Libs can avoid blame but Chris Bowen should never
have been let near it.
It looks like a disaster is unavoidable, even if Lidell can be resurrected.

Nuclear cannot be up and running in time.
Bezza,
None of the future infrastructure can nor should it be rushed through all at once. Nuclear, just like irrigation & the many other projects are & should be long-term. All this impatience is why nothing worthwhile is being achieved. People forget that these are future projects that must be started now not the other way round. Only gradual development will provide the answers needed which in turn provide the eventual hands-on practical i.e. workable & useable infrastructure. The wild money-spending on unsustainable hare-brained schemes of recent past & present is nothing more than a costly postponing of good ideas not realised by the "experts".

Dud Dutton and his NOALITION are looking for a short term "winner", and they think they have found it in trumpeting nuclear power. The advantage being they themselves, the present "team" of loopies, would never have to implement such a policy. Australia and indeed the world, requires action now on climate change brought about by the burning of fossil fuels, not something proposed for the distant future.

Paul, I suggest you go back and read Dutton's statement again.
I would take Rolls Royce's estimate as the best anyone can get.
The next then will be to get Tenders, Provided we can shut the Labour Party up !
That will shut them all up !