The Australian government has declined to join a US and UK-led initiative aimed at accelerating civilian nuclear energy development, drawing criticism from industry leaders and opposition politicians.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia would not sign the agreement, citing the lack of a civil nuclear industry in the country and describing nuclear energy as “the single-most expensive electricity option on the planet”.
Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, strongly criticised the government’s decision, calling it a “missed opportunity” that undermines critical partnerships.
Constable argued that Australia’s refusal to participate contradicts its involvement in the AUKUS partnership for nuclear-powered submarines.
The new agreement, known as the Generation IV International Forum, replaces an existing cooperation forum set to expire in February 2025.
It aims to pool research and development funding among member states to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the decision an “international embarrassment”, highlighting that the US and UK had initially expected Australia to join.
The government’s stance aligns with its current policy against domestic nuclear energy development, with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek describing nuclear power as an “energy fantasy” that would delay the transition to renewables.
Constable argued that Australia’s exclusion from the forum would cause the country to fall further behind in nuclear technology development.
She also pointed out the potential benefits of nuclear energy for global decarbonisation efforts and urged the government to work with states like Western Australia and Queensland to lift bans on uranium mining.
The decision comes amid the growing political debate over nuclear energy in Australia, with the opposition proposing to develop a domestic nuclear power industry.
As the country navigates its energy future, the rejection of this international nuclear cooperation opportunity highlights the ongoing tensions between different visions for Australia’s energy mix and its role in global climate efforts.
