Homer Simpson need not apply with Energy Minister Chris Bowen taking the role of inspector as he hoses down talk of a nuclear energy transition. He says replacing Oz’s coal-fired stations with ‘small modular reactors’ (SMRs) would cost the nation $387 billion, according to data from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. In favour of SMRs – and unhappy about the modelling – is Coalition leader Peter Dutton, who yesterday responded that Bowen is “unhinged” and doesn’t have “a credible path to get to net zero without the use of nuclear”. Bowen reckons Dutton’s nuclear ambition is “a unicorn and a fantasy” while also acknowledging the “admittedly challenging task of reducing emissions and keeping reliability”. And you know what they say – quality name-calling always leads to a first-class exchange of ideas on the challenges of our times…