Written by Angelique M
Since 1998, nuclear power in Australia has been banned. Yet, debate about whether this should be removed has been ongoing for decades. (https://www.energycouncil.com.au/analysis/nuclear-power-for-australia-a-potted-history/) The two main parties clashing the topic include the Coalition party, led by Peter Dutton, who support the emergence of nuclear power in Australia, and the Labour party, led by Anthony Albanese, who are against.
The election, upcoming in a year, means parties are building upon their stances to slowly gain more votes, and one of the biggest topics of discussions that each side is advertising is their policies for nuclear energy, with Dutton exclaiming he’s “very happy for the election to be a referendum”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JXKiUzs-nw
The Coalition party has pledged either two small modular reactors by 2035, or two larger scale reactors by 2037, the choice depending on which option becomes more viable. Located in either New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, or West Australia. Following, Dutton hasn’t stated the specific costs to create the reactors, and it is unclear if the party will release the price till before or after the voting has occurred. This means that taxpayers may not know if this directly will lead to increases before voting, which, during a cost of living crisis, may become crucial. Finally, by 2050, there aims to be 7 nuclear power plants built.
Nevertheless, the Labour party still promised a reduction in greenhouse gases, of over 43%, higher than promised by the Coalition, and has focused upon cutting costs and creating more jobs, as explored with the 2024 Australia Federal Budget.
https://girleconomics.beehiiv.com/p/23-05-25
Common arguments against nuclear for Australia specifically, is due to how large the current sector of mining is for Australia. Australia’s biggest export currently is coal briquettes, being the second top exporter globally in 2022. Especially in Australia, where coal-fired power stations are so crucial and relied upon, there is fear that this would cause crowding out, which would decrease private investment, which is the likely driver of the switch to nuclear energy. Furthermore, nuclear energy still heavily produces nuclear waste, which the Coalition party hasn’t discussed how they will dispose of. Finally, Australia is developing their hydropower use, as an alternative form of renewable energy, which may be just as successful whilst being more environmentally-friendly.
However, Australia holds the largest reserves of uranium, holding roughly a third of the global uranium, yet only 0.7% of this is suitable for nuclear, and is hence more importantly the 4th largest producer of unenriched uranium (the suitable). Additionally, it is a form of renewable energy, in a move away from non-renewable coal plants that are very prominent in Australia.
The referendum for nuclear energy in Australia will remain unclear till the vote in May next year, and till then, it is likely both parties will discuss and argue for their stances with this topic at length.
