The Big Question

Should Australia go nuclear?

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? 

The case for

Yes

Yes
Low Carbon Footprint

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.

Yes
Energy Security and Baseload Power

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.

Yes
Economic Potential

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.

The case for

No

No
High Costs and Long Development Time

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.

No
Nuclear Waste Disposal

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.

No
Proliferation Risks

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.

What the experts say...

Those in favour

Those against

...but what do you say?

Your vote

Answer the questions below

Do you support removing the ban on nuclear energy in Australia?

Your vote

Answer the questions below

Do you support the development of nuclear energy generation in Australia?

Your vote

Answer the questions below

If there was no effect on price, would you support nuclear energy in Australia?

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