By Tabish Ahmad, senior research & development chemist and regulatory compliance at Pental/Dulux Group, and Australian Prime Minister’s Youngest Distinguished Global Talent awardee
Climate Change Considerations
Nuclear energy offers a low-emission alternative to fossil fuels, capable of providing a stable and reliable power supply. This is crucial in the context of climate change, where reducing greenhouse gas emissions is imperative. However, the transition to nuclear is not without its climate-related challenges. The delayed implementation of nuclear power could necessitate prolonged reliance on coal and gas, exacerbating climate pollution in the short term.
Critics argue that focusing on nuclear energy diverts attention and resources from more immediately viable renewable solutions. The Climate Council, for instance, highlights that continued investment in renewables and storage technology can achieve a clean, reliable energy grid within the next decade, without the extended timelines and higher costs associated with nuclear.
International Interest and Investment
The proposal for nuclear power in Australia has attracted international attention, particularly from Japanese and South Korean companies experienced in nuclear energy. Japanese energy giants, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have expressed interest in investing in Australia’s nuclear rollout, viewing it as a long-term strategic investment. South Korea’s KEPCO, which successfully built nuclear plants in the UAE, also sees potential in the Australian market.
These international partnerships could provide valuable expertise and financial support, but they also come with geopolitical considerations. Collaboration with foreign entities necessitates stringent regulatory oversight to ensure safety and security standards are met, aligning with both national interests and international nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
Australia-India Civil Nuclear Agreement
There can be some learnings from Australia-India Civil Nuclear Agreement also. Australia and India solidified their nuclear energy partnership with the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014, allowing Australia to export uranium to India for civilian purposes. Despite high initial expectations, actual uranium exports from Australia to India have been limited. India’s nuclear power expansion has been slower than anticipated, with significant delays and increased costs in reactor construction. Additionally, India’s growing focus on renewable energy, which is expanding rapidly and becoming cheaper, has overshadowed nuclear energy. This dynamic reflects the complexity of international nuclear agreements and the challenges of integrating nuclear energy into a diverse energy portfolio.
AUKUS and Its Implications for Nuclear Energy
The AUKUS pact, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced in 2021, has far-reaching implications for nuclear energy in Australia. A central element of AUKUS is Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, which signifies a historic shift in the country’s stance on nuclear technology. This agreement not only enhances Australia’s defence capabilities but also introduces nuclear expertise and infrastructure that could be leveraged for civilian energy purposes. The technological and regulatory frameworks developed for AUKUS could streamline the pathway for nuclear power plants, providing a foundation for advanced nuclear technology deployment. This dual-use approach could bolster Australia’s energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the country’s climate goals. However, it also necessitates stringent regulatory oversight and public engagement to address safety and environmental concerns.
Any opinions or views expressed in this article are personal of the author and may not reflect view of any organisation. This three-part series is continued in next week’s Adviser.
