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25 March 2025
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SMRs excel in providing reliable, carbon-free baseload power, especially in regions where renewables struggle due to limited sunlight, wind and space (not Australia). They are particularly useful for replacing fossil fuels if a local industry requires consistent high energy levels (such as AI data bases) while solar and wind can be deployed in various scales making them ideal for remote or highly distributed energy needs e.g. Australia. Solar and wind could combine with SMRs providing electricity during peak demand periods (businesses mainly operate in the day, wind and storage is more consistent) reducing the need for a high reliance on SMR output. If you are over reliant on SRM’s you are also highly reliant on a consistently sourcing enriched uranium. In particular regions (e.g. Australia) solar and wind are a significantly cheaper source of electricity on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, even when considering storage systems to mitigate intermittency.
"highly reliant on a consistently sourcing enriched uranium":Natural uranium and deuterium oxide neutron moderator used in:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CANDU_reactorModified CANDU Reactor SMR:https://www.sciencepg.com/article/10.11648/j.ns.20240903.11Can do Thorium too:https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/33/011/33011302.pdf
SMRs don't just replace gas, they replace gas, solar and wind. If you have a SMR generator that provides 24/7 power why would you need solar and wind, why would you turn off a SMR generator to use solar or wind ?
This time last year, I highlighted 16 ASX stocks that investors could own indefinitely. One year on, I look at whether there should be any changes to the list of stocks as well as which companies are worth buying now.
The CIO of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, John Pearce, suggests the odds favour a flat year for markets, with the possibility of a correction of 10% or more. However, he’ll use any dip as a buying opportunity.
The ABS recently released figures which are used to determine key superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2025. This outlines the rates and thresholds that are changing and those that aren’t.
With the arrival of the new year, the first members of ‘Generation X’ turned 60, marking the start of the MTV generation’s collective journey towards retirement. Are Gen Xers and our retirement system ready for the transition?
The intergenerational wealth transfer, largely driven by a housing boom, exacerbates economic inequality, stifles productivity, and impedes social mobility. Solutions lie in addressing the housing problem, not taxing wealth.
Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter has been fixture for avid investors for decades. In his latest letter, Buffett is reticent on many key topics, but his actions rather than words are sending clear signals to investors.
With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.
The S&P 500's recent correction raises concerns about a bear market. History shows corrections are driven by high rates, unemployment, or global shocks, and that there's reason for optimism for nervous investors today.
Eight of the ASX's top 10 stocks are more than a hundred years old, while in the US there's just one. It points to our market being filled with low-growth dinosaurs compared to the US where innovation and renewal rule.
Improving housing mobility in Australia is crucial for enhancing both individual well-being and the economy. Potential reforms include ensuring greater rental security and incentivising downsizing among older homeowners.
This may surprise you, but a person's super balance does not automatically form part of their estate. A simple change could bring greater certainty to Australians, quicker payouts for families, and lower super fees.
Over the past few years, the Reserve Bank of Australia has been subjected to a blizzard of criticism. Yet, despite its flaws, it may just have engineered that rarest of beasts: the fabled soft economic landing.
As part of their global exposure, Australian investors typically allocate most to Developed Markets equities, and a smaller portion to Emerging Markets. This looks at the latter position and whether there might be a better way.