One Nation Senator’s Hypocrisy: Backs Nuclear, Owns Solar Shares
A senator from the One Nation party, known for his opposition to renewable energy, has been revealed to have shares in a solar and battery firm that operates off the grid.
Tyron Whitten’s business interest register indicates his ownership in Sky Energy Investments, a Victorian enterprise that focuses on solar power and battery solutions for residential properties, small enterprises, and construction sites.
Contradictory Positions
Whitten, who was elected to the Senate in May of the previous year, frequently voices his criticism of large-scale renewable energy initiatives, particularly in his native Western Australia. He asserts that nuclear, coal, and gas energy sources are more economical than renewable options.
In response to criticism regarding the apparent contradiction between his public stance and private investments, Whitten stated on Facebook that he does not oppose small-scale rooftop solar and home batteries. His contention lies solely with large-scale solar and wind farms as well as new transmission infrastructure.
Hypocrisy Accusations
Whitten addressed the accusations of hypocrisy in a Facebook video, clarifying, “You may have seen some news reports today claiming I’m a hypocrite for owning 0.00913% of a small solar company, which I disclosed.” He acknowledged the benefits of individual homeowners installing solar panels and batteries to reduce soaring electricity costs but maintained his opposition toward solar farms and wind farms.
However, the messaging on Sky Energy’s website contradicts his views. The company’s homepage states that its primary battery product facilitates “large-scale deployment of clean energy” by “offsetting expensive fossil fuels with much cheaper renewable solutions,” suggesting an alignment with the very renewable energy strategies he opposes.
Nuclear Energy Implications
Whitten seems to overlook that his vision for a nuclear-dominated energy future would necessitate the shutdown of residential solar systems across Australia. Forecasting for 2024 indicates that implementing the Coalition’s nuclear policy in Queensland would require approximately 45,000 households and small businesses to cease using their rooftop solar panels in favour of grid power to render a single nuclear plant viable.
Robert Barr from the advocacy group Nuclear for Climate remarked to the ABC that nuclear energy would ultimately supplant both large-scale and rooftop solar, a sentiment echoed by energy specialists who argue that accommodating nuclear power would entail eliminating variable renewable sources, starting with smaller options like home solar systems.
Political Activities and Statements
Throughout late 2025, Whitten reiterated the One Nation party’s positions against renewables while rallying against state and federal energy strategies in Western Australia. He participated in an information night in Narrogin, asserting that public concerns regarding energy policy were being “ignored or dismissed.” In October, he took to social media to criticise the Augusta Margaret River shire council over the approval of the Scott River wind project, resulting in the CEO defending the council against allegations of bad faith.
In December, he labelled efforts to “save the planet” through renewable installations a “hoax” in a Facebook post. Last November, he alleged that federal net-zero policies were detrimental to farmland and benefitting “Labor-aligned” investors.
This year, Whitten has taken a quieter approach, shifting his focus from denouncing renewable energy to addressing immigration issues, advocating for the establishment of a federal Office for Men, and supporting One Nation leader Pauline Hanson amidst her censure for controversial behaviour in the Senate.
