The nuclear debate has been re-opened with a key opposition frontbencher saying it can't be ignored.
Shadow Trade Minister Ian MacFarlane is expected to tell industry heavyweights nuclear has to be seriously considered if Australia is to cut greenhouse gases.
Mr MacFarlane is the first MP to make such strong pro-nuclear remarks since John Howard was Prime minister.
He stressed that if the country was serious about cutting greenhouse gases, nuclear is an option that can’t be ignored, saying coal-fired generation would be deadlier.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says his comments show the coalition is returning to form when it comes to the nuclear debate.
“Mr Nelson and the Coalition needs to come clean. Are they really saying that they have a plan for 25 nuclear reactors in Australia?
“Where are they going to put them? They need to come clean to the Australian people about their plans for nuclear power.”