The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has advocated for the introduction of nuclear energy to Australia’s energy mix, suggesting the technology could play a key role in the net-zero transition.
Despite hosting 33 per cent of global uranium deposits, nuclear power stations are currently banned in every state and territory in Australia following a 1999 federal law issued during the Howard administration.
Now, the MCA has expressed its support for the opposition government’s recent commitment to the technology, particularly new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
MCA Chief Executive Officer, Tania Constable, suggested these reactors should be considered for future applications in the Australian market.
“Last week, the US nuclear regulator approved a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) with potential application in Australia. SMRs will be commercially available by late 2020s,” Ms Constable said.
“Australia could work with countries such as Canada, the UK and the US to develop a harmonised regulatory framework for SMRs. This would contribute to lower construction and deployment costs, which would lower the cost of delivered electricity.
“It will revitalise the nation’s nuclear engineering education potential as engineers would be required from an early stage.
“This would encourage universities to develop specialist courses and partner with international universities.
“Australia has a strong global reputation with respect to non-proliferation and opportunities to build on its world class uranium industry which is founded on a resource base including almost a third of global uranium reserves, supplying around ten per cent of global uranium used to produce zero emissions electricity.”
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