Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s rationale for not lifting the ban on nuclear power is “hilarious”, according to The Australian’s Contributing Economics Editor Judith Sloan.

Ms Sloan joined Sky News host Chris Kenny to discuss energy in Australia.

“I thought his rationale for not getting rid of the ban was hilarious,” she said.

“Which was to say, we wouldn’t want to get rid of the ban because those investors might be looking for government money.

“Excuse me? There’s one estimate that puts the annual subsidy to the renewable energy sector at $16 billion per year.”