The Minerals Council of Australia welcomes the release of independent modelling of the Coalition's long-term energy plan, which includes a role for nuclear energy and demonstrates significant cost savings and emissions reductions.
A broad portfolio of low-emissions technologies, including gas and renewables is essential if Australia is to meet its net zero emissions goals by 2050. This also includes nuclear energy, which must be part of the solution.
Lowering energy costs for households and businesses while ensuring reliable and clean energy is critical for Australia's economic and environmental future.
Independent analysis by Frontier Economics demonstrates nuclear power should be a critical technology on the table for Australia to consider, as it is elsewhere around the world and particularly amongst Australia's strategic partners.
The modelling dispels arguments that nuclear is uneconomic and that removing the ban would be a distraction.
It shows that diverse electricity generation technologies can work together to improve system security, reliability, and affordability
A balanced approach provides a practical solution to reducing power bills for families and lowering operating costs for businesses across the country, while delivering the 24/7 baseload power essential for energy security and stability
Nuclear energy's inclusion in Australia's energy mix is a logical next step for a nation that already has a world-class nuclear industry. Uranium is the essential fuel that powers nuclear energy, and Australia's abundant reserves position it as a critical player in the global transition to clean energy.
Australia's uranium exports, which avoid 200 million tonnes of global carbon emissions annually, demonstrate the crucial role this resource plays in global decarbonisation. Expanding production could see that figure rise to 600 million tonnes, further solidifying Australia's reputation as a trusted global supplier of clean energy solutions.
Lifting bans on uranium mining in Western Australia and Queensland is overdue. Meeting global demand for this critical resource means Australia can help slash emissions worldwide while creating jobs and boosting local industry.
Developing a robust uranium industry not only supports Australia's domestic nuclear aspirations but also strengthens its strategic partnerships with allies such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.
By ensuring a secure, high-quality supply of uranium, Australia can play a pivotal role in enabling the global rollout of nuclear power, which is essential to meeting ambitious decarbonisation targets.
We cannot afford to wait any longer to kickstart the work on developing a civilian nuclear energy option. The time to act is now-every delay risks missing out on clean, reliable, and affordable energy that Australians urgently need for the future.
