Informed Experts Strongly Support Nuclear Deployment in Australia

MEDIA RELEASE: 1 May 2025.

In April 2025, the Australian Nuclear Association (ANA) conducted a survey of its members to gauge expert opinion on the future of nuclear energy deployment in Australia.

The results are clear: informed Australians overwhelmingly back nuclear power.

Respondents were highly experienced professionals from engineering, research, policy, and industry backgrounds, most with over decades of experience. Their insights are grounded in deep technical and operational knowledge.

In Summary:

- Strong Support: 90% of nuclear professionals support deployment.
- Preferred Technology: SMRs (81%), Gen III+ reactors (74%), advanced reactors (60%).
- Timeline: Nearly half believe Australia could have nuclear power by 2035.
- Confidence: 85% are confident that Australia can build a nuclear program.
- Costs: 67% say nuclear will be cheaper than other low-carbon options.
- Deployment Approach: 85% favour partnering with international vendors.
- Barriers: Political will and public perception are the biggest obstacles, not technical issues.

MEDIA RELEASE_ Informed Experts Strongly Support Nuclear Deployment in Australia

For more information – contact John Harries, 0427 952 075 or email ANA@nuclearaustralia.org.au

The Australian Nuclear Association Inc (ANA) is an independent incorporated scientific institution which promotes the education, knowledge and practice of the peaceful, safe and effective use of nuclear science and technology to benefit people, science and the environment.

ANA supports the use of nuclear science and technology in Australia, including nuclear techniques in research, industry and medicine; research reactors as a source of neutrons for research and production of radioisotopes; nuclear power plants to produce electricity and the use of nuclear power for marine propulsion.

ANA strongly supports the use of nuclear power plants as reliable, affordable and low carbon generators of electricity and as a low carbon source of heat for industry. Adding nuclear energy to Australia’s energy future would help meet our international obligations on carbon emissions, improve energy security and contribute to our economic future. Australia can benefit from current and emerging advanced reactor designs as well as from the considerable international experience accumulated in regulating and operating nuclear power plants, taking into account safety, environmental, technical, economic and social factors. Federal and State legislative nuclear prohibitions should be repealed so that nuclear energy can be considered on its merits.

ANA strongly supports establishment of a national radioactive waste management facility for the management of intermediate level radioactive waste and the disposal of low level radioactive waste from all Commonwealth agencies as well from the States and Territories.