The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has fired up the nuclear energy debate.

It was ‘the’ time to end the discriminatory treatment of nuclear energy by repealing the ban said MCA CEO Tania Constable.



<<Australian Research Reactors - courtesy of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation>>

“Nuclear energy provides 11 per cent of the world’s electricity which is low cost, zero emission and available 24/7,” Ms Constable said.

“That is why new nuclear power stations are being built in China, the United Arab Emirates, Finland and the United Kingdom. 

“Latest generation nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors offer the potential to fully back up renewable energy sources.”

MCA acknowledged the Federal Government was not considering removing the current ban on nuclear power said Ms Constable.  

“Removing the ban would allow for Australians to have a serious conversation about a genuinely technology neutral approach towards the nation’s energy mix – delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy sources,” she said.

“The removal of the prohibition on nuclear energy will also allow for investment proposals to be brought forward.

“There is an urgent need for Australia to consider all technologies on their merits.”

The statement came in response to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comments that nuclear energy ‘must pay its way,’ which was welcomed by Ms Constable.