The House of Representatives Select Committee on Nuclear Energy has released its interim report on the feasibility of nuclear power generation in Australia, suggesting it is unlikely to play a significant role in meeting the nation’s climate targets.

The Committee, tasked with investigating the potential for nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs), has conducted 19 public hearings across the country, gathering evidence from various stakeholders, including global nuclear experts, representatives from Australia’s science, energy, and climate sectors, First Nations groups, and community organisations.

Committee Chair, Mr. Dan Repacholi MP, highlighted two key issues addressed in the report: the timeframe for potential nuclear rollout and its affordability compared to alternative energy sources.

“From the evidence considered by the Committee to date, it is apparent that it could be well into the 2040s before we might see nuclear energy generated in Australia if that form of energy generation were to be pursued,” Repacholi stated.

“This would be too late to meaningfully support the achievement of Australia’s climate and energy targets or to help our coal power plant workforce and communities as we transition away from coal power.”

The report also raises concerns about the economic viability of nuclear power in Australia.

“We also heard that nuclear power is more expensive than the alternatives both to build and to use.

“As a country with no previous nuclear power experience, we were told that Australia could experience a 100 per cent premium on the estimated cost to build nuclear reactors — a cost that taxpayers would likely have to pay,” Repacholi added.

The Committee also assessed the potential of SMRs, but found them to be unsuitable for Australia’s immediate energy needs.

“Given they are still in the conceptual design stage and are not commercially available, small nuclear reactors simply don’t measure up as a viable option for powering Australia in the foreseeable future compared to proven solar and wind technologies which are already being rolled out and generating power,” Repacholi explained.

The interim report emphasises that it does not represent the Committee’s final conclusions or recommendations.

The Committee expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the inquiry through written submissions, correspondence, and testimony at public hearings.

The interim report and further information about the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website.