Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) is calling for answers after a widely respected international expert questioned the cost and timeframe of building seven nuclear reactors in Australia.

Leading US climate diplomat Jonathan Pershing has warned the Coalition’s plan to delay the roll out of renewable energy in favour of delivering nuclear technology over a much longer time is a “big bet on an unknown future”.

“Australians have one main concern: dropping the price of their power bills. Important questions remain unanswered about how much nuclear will cost and when it will actually deliver power, and now new questions have now emerged,” AFAE spokesperson Jo Dodds says.

“We need to know why we would press pause on cost-effective and timely solutions in favour of a risky experiment funded by taxpayers?

“Jonathan Pershing is an expert and as he notes in the US, the high cost of building new nuclear facilities has led to nuclear energy declining as a share of the overall energy mix. Across the globe, the evidence shows us the cheapest option for reliable power is a combination of solar and batteries.”

Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean’s comments on ABC’s Q&A have also raised new questions about the Coalition’s nuclear proposal.

“A formal Liberal state treasurer has branded his own party as ‘socialist’ and criticised the policy as far too expensive, further reiterating our fears the taxpayer will be left to fund nuclear as private investors avoid it,” Ms Dodds said.

“Energy bills are rising sharply, and households and small businesses are set to bear the brunt if real solutions aren’t found. Our energy future should not be shaped by unrealistic promises, Australians deserve clear answers on how to keep power affordable and reliable.”