MCA calls for nuclear inclusion

5th August 2022 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called for the inclusion of next generation nuclear technologies to be considered as part of the Australian energy mix.

MCA CEO Tania Constable said this week that these technologies could play an important role in building Australia’s economic performance and prosperity on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Nuclear energy is used around the world to provide affordable zero emissions power 24/7 at industrial scale. Over the longer term, nuclear energy can play a key role, along with other zero emissions energy sources like renewables and carbon capture and storage, in helping Australia meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.”

Constable said that Australia could work with countries such as Canada, the UK and the US to develop a harmonised regulatory framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), which 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 10% of global uranium used to produce zero-emissions electricity,” she added.