BENEFITS OF NUCLEAR POWER

Nuclear Power is a low emissions technology

 

There are no greenhouse gases produced during reactor operations. Taking into account all the possible emissions during uranium mining, enrichment, construction, and waste management, the total emissions are still very low, on a par with wind and less than solar (IPCC review 2011 and Australian Energy Regulator, 2009 State of the Energy Market).

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Nuclear Power provides base-load elecctricity supply

 

Australia’s present baseload electricity supply is mainly from coal which produces very high greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power can supply baseload electricity 24/7, independent of the weather, with a very high capacity factor.

 

Nuclear Power is a proven technology

 

There is 57 years of experience of commercial nuclear power plants in 31 countries.

 

A nuclear power plant does not have to be located close to the fuel source

 

Unlike coal, gas, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal, the location of a nuclear plant is not governed by the power supply. A nuclear plant requires only a small number of fuel assemblies delivered by truck every few years.

 

Nuclear Power is cost-competititve with other low emissions technologies

 

The cost projections published by the Australian Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics in its 2012 Australian Energy Technology Assessment show nuclear is the lowest cost baseload low emissions technology. Also, modern nuclear plants are designed with a sixty year lifetime, much longer than other technologies.

 

Nuclear Power provides a diversified electricity supply

 

All countries are concerned about their future energy security and have a need to diversify their energy sources as a risk management strategy.

 

A nuclear power plant takes up very little room

 

A nuclear plant has a small footprint per MW installed capacity. A modern twin unit Small Modular Reactor (SMR) of 2×180 MW capacity occupies only 10-15 hectares.

 

Modern nuclear power plants are safe

 

SMRs do not rely on external electricity supplies or external water supplies for cooling. They use water fed by gravity, natural convection heat exchangers and gas pressurised water tanks. These are called “passive safety systems”. The reactor can also be located underground providing protection against external hazards and unauthorised access.
 

Australia could reduce emissions and have a diverse proven source of baseload electricity supply by taking advantage of the benefits of nuclear power.