There is a growing nuclear conflict in the coalition over renewable energy sources

An internal split appears in the coalition over nuclear power as the main parties prepare for a battle over Australia’s energy future.

The opposition announced that it would build seven nuclear power plants on coal-fired power plant sites if it won the next election, but was criticized for not disclosing the costs.

Some liberals suggest that renewable energy will have a large share, while leading citizens want to limit energy produced by wind and solar.

Liberal senator James Paterson said his party supports renewable energy.

“Renewable energy will be an important part of the mix, just like internationally,” he said on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Nationals leader David Littleproud said the coalition should send a clear policy restricting large-scale renewable energy projects.

“We want to send investment signals that there is an upper limit to what direction we will go with renewable energy sources and where we will place them,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the cheapest form of new energy is renewable energy.

“That’s why in the business community, no one raised their hand, not one bank, not one financing company, not one equity firm, said: ‘yes, we want to get involved in this,’” he said.

Labor has committed $22.7 billion over the next decade to its Future Made in Australia plan, which aims to increase private sector investment in the energy transition.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said voters would have a clear choice at the election.

“Our energy policy, which we have clearly presented and which we are implementing, and their fantasies, which they cannot answer key questions,” he said.

More details of the coalition’s nuclear plan will be revealed “in small pieces,” opposition leader Peter Dutton said.

“We want the information to be available in small pieces so that people can read carefully what we are proposing and understand what we are not proposing,” he said.

The coalition has promised a detailed breakdown of the costs of nuclear reactors ahead of elections expected early next year.

Liam Wagner, associate professor of sustainable energy systems at Curtin University, noted gaps in the nuclear proposal.

He rejected the option of relying on reactors manufactured at Westinghouse, which have suffered delays and budget strains abroad.

“It would be irresponsible to treat this as the preferred option given the significant delays experienced during installation in the US,” Dr Wagner told AAP.

“It’s basically like tearing up $100 bills.”

Sites nominated for nuclear power stations include Loy Yang power station in Victoria, Callide and Tarong in Queensland, Mount Piper in Lithgow in west-central New South Wales and Liddell in the Hunter region of New South Wales.

Small, modular reactors will be built at the Northern Power Station in Port Augusta and at the Muja Power Station southeast of Perth.

Dr. Wagner questioned whether the coalition had checked the suitability of locations for nuclear power plants.