Why does Australia need a nuclear reactor?

While Australia holds 31\% of the world’s supply of uranium, it has always been cheaper to rely on an ocean of cheap coal, gas and oil for power. Australia’s only nuclear reactor, at Lucas Heights, south of Sydney, is for scientific and medical research, and produces mostly low-level waste.

Why is nuclear power reliable?

Nuclear power is the most reliable source of electricity, sustaining the highest national average reliability. Nuclear power generates 2.8 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually in the US. [1] The plants are so reliable because of the energy-intensive nature of uranium.

Why do we need small and medium nuclear power reactors?

There is strong interest in small and simpler units for generating electricity from nuclear power, and for process heat. This interest in small and medium nuclear power reactors is driven both by a desire to reduce the impact of capital costs and to provide power away from large grid systems.

What is a small modular nuclear reactor?

Small modular reactors are essentially scaled down versions of full-sized nuclear reactors. They are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as having a power output of up to 300MW – which is enough to power around 428,000 700-watt washing machines.

Are small nuclear reactors the key to a low-carbon future?

Given the amount of investment, it’s clear SMRs are big business for government – and for good reason: experts suggest that small nuclear reactors may be the key to a low-carbon future. What are small modular reactors? Small modular reactors are essentially scaled down versions of full-sized nuclear reactors.

Can the UK win the race to develop small modular reactors?

Part of this plan involves spending £250m on a research and development programme to put the UK in with a chance of “winning” the race to develop small modular reactors (SMR). In the recent Budget, Osborne launched a competition for the “best value” design of small modular reactors for use in the UK.