Nuclear power is a proven way to produce affordable, reliable, clean energy. Nuclear power plants split atoms inside a reactor producing heat. This heat can be used to spin turbines to create electricity or process heat for industry.
A single pellet of uranium fuel (the size of a gummi bear) in a nuclear power plant can produce as much energy as 1 tonne of coal, 3 barrels of oil or 481m3 of natural gas.
In addition to producing clean, reliable electricity, nuclear power plants can also be used for other purposes. Nuclear plants can produce clean energy for hydrogen production, desalinating water and high energy facilities such as data centres.
The heat from nuclear plants can also be used as process heat for industry such as iron smelters.
The first commercial nuclear plant was opened in 1956 by Queen Elizabeth II. Like anything from the 50s, nuclear power isn't the same as it was back then.
These days, advanced nuclear power plants incorporate modern passive safety systems allowing them to shut down without human intervention and are built to be able to complement renewables. Emerging nuclear reactor designs such as small modular reactors will be factory fabricated, walkaway safe and cheaper to build than prior technologies.
There are 440 operable nuclear power reactors around the world with 62 under construction. 32 countries including the United States, France and Finland currently use nuclear power to produce affordable, reliable, clean energy.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency a further 50 countries are looking at using nuclear power. Australia remains the only top 20 economy with a ban on the technology.
In addition to producing energy in nuclear power plants, nuclear science & technology can be used to treat cancer and conduct important research. In fact, Australia has a multipurpose reactor managed by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) called OPAL which has operated for nearly two decades in the suburbs of Sydney.
The reactor has a vital role in producing nuclear medicines that every Australian is likely to use in their lifetime.
Australia is well positioned to embrace nuclear power. We have the most uranium in the world (approximately 1/3) and already export it to other countries that use it to produce affordable, reliable, clean nuclear energy.
In addition, our stable continent, nuclear experience and the development of the AUKUS nuclear submarine program make us the perfect location for nuclear power.
