The Big Question
Australians want energy that is cheap, reliable and zero-emissions, but we struggle to tick even two of those three boxes. Is nuclear the fix?
Nuclear power’s back on the table in Australia. Peter Dutton, leading the Liberal Party, says he’ll build a plant if elected. It’s a shift from the usual stance against nuclear energy here.
Australia’s been dancing around nuclear tech since the 1950s. We’ve got plenty of uranium, but no power plants. Safety worries and environmental concerns have always put the brakes on.
Dutton’s idea got mixed reviews. The government called it fantasy. Green groups aren’t happy. Some business folks think it’s worth a look.
It’s kicked off the old debate again. The country’s taking another look at nuclear power.
So that’s the question — is nuclear the key to a zero-carbon future in Australia? Or is it just an expensive distraction from cheaper, safer energy options?
Nuclear reactors produce electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This can significantly contribute to Australia's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Compared to coal-fired power plants, nuclear power plants prevent millions of tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Unlike solar and wind power, which are dependent on weather conditions, nuclear power plants provide a constant and reliable source of baseload power. This can help stabilize the electricity grid and ensure a secure energy supply, especially in remote areas of Australia.
Australia has the world's largest recoverable uranium reserves, which could fuel domestic nuclear power plants. This could create new jobs in uranium mining, plant construction, and operation, boosting the Australian economy. Additionally, stable energy prices from nuclear power can attract new industries.
Building nuclear power plants is expensive and time-consuming. Construction can take over a decade, which wouldn't help address Australia's urgent need for clean energy transition. Renewables like solar and wind are currently cheaper and faster to deploy.
Radioactive waste from nuclear power plants remains hazardous for thousands of years. Australia currently lacks a permanent solution for storing this waste, raising environmental and safety concerns.
Uranium, the fuel for nuclear power, can also be used in nuclear weapons. While Australia has strong safeguards, some argue that expanding nuclear infrastructure could increase the risk of proliferation both domestically and internationally.
Nuclear power today is a mature, safe, and clean means of generating baseload electricity...
Nuclear physicist and businessperson
Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy — Opportunities for Australia?, Report to the Prime Minister by the Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Review Taskforce, December 2006.A lot of countries are using nuclear to decarbonise. The question is whether we should lift the ban. I think we should.
President of Australian Nuclear Association
Norman, J. 2024. The US and Japan have ‘tripled down on nuclear’, could it be time for Australia to shift its attitude? ABC. www.abc.net.auSince nuclear energy is a low carbon energy source, it should be on the table with renewable energy sources... that can help Australia meet its climate targets.
President of WePlanet Australia
Kwon, H 2024, How feasible is nuclear power in Australia and what would it cost? CSIRO and experts take a look, SBS Australia, SBS Australia, viewed 16 July 2024, .Nuclear power is legally impossible, economically unachievable and environmentally irresponsible.
Emeritus Professor of science, technology & society, Griffith University
The gambler: Dutton bets it all on nuclear. Australian Financial Review. www.afr.comIf a future Coalition government were to bring nuclear into the mix, energy costs for residential and especially industrial customers would very likely increase.
Director of the Monash Energy Institute, Monash University
Dargaville, R 2024, How would a switch to nuclear affect electricity prices for households and industry?, The Conversation, The Conversation, viewed 16 July 2024.We've got answers.
As unbiased as we can possibly be.
Nuclear power in Australia has been effectively banned since the 1970s due to legislation and strong public opposition. Environmental activism at the time highlighted the dangers of nuclear energy, such as radioactive waste, catastrophic accidents, and long-term environmental harm. In response, the Australian government enacted laws like the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999 and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act of 1998, which block nuclear power plant construction.
Public sentiment has consistently opposed nuclear energy, fueled by fears of disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima and concerns about nuclear waste disposal. This public opposition has influenced Australian politics, with governments avoiding nuclear power in favor of coal, natural gas, and renewables. The result: nuclear power has remained off-limits in Australia's energy policy for decades.
Nuclear energy, when properly managed, is very safe. Modern reactors have advanced safety systems that minimize accident risks. Statistically, nuclear power has a lower fatality rate per energy unit compared to fossil fuels, largely due to no air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the risks of nuclear accidents, like Chernobyl and Fukushima, remain severe. These rare but catastrophic events underline concerns about safety, waste management, and vulnerabilities to human error or natural disasters.