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Media Release
Nuclear power a safe option for Australia
26 May 2006
The Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop MP has today inspected the new research reactor at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and received a report on the economic viability of a nuclear power industry for Australia.
The new Open Pool Australian Light-water (OPAL) reactor is expected to become fully operational in the near future and will be one of the world’s top three research reactors.
Minister Bishop said the new reactor will deliver healthcare benefits through the production of radiopharmaceuticals and will place Australia at the leading edge of research into microbiology, biotechnology and gene therapy.
“It will maintain Australia’s nuclear expertise and attract overseas research scientists,” she said.
While visiting the OPAL reactor, the CEO of ANSTO Dr Ian Smith handed the Minister a report by independent consultant Professor John Gittus on the economics of nuclear power in Australia.
The study concluded that the latest types of nuclear power stations would be competitive with newly-built coal-fired power stations in Australia.
It also concluded that nuclear power is the safest, most secure way of generating electricity with greater price stability in comparison to gas or coal power generation.
The analysis by Prof Gittus found that the option of nuclear power is even more attractive when including the cost of environmental damage and carbon dioxide emissions from new coal or gas-fired power stations.
Minister Bishop said, “I welcome this report as a useful contribution to what I hope will be an evidence-based debate about nuclear power in Australia. The debate must focus on the facts and not be biased by emotion.”
“I will ask ANSTO to release a synopsis of the findings while I consider the full report in detail.”
Please note: The synopsis will be available from www.ansto.gov.au from Sunday 28 May.
Media Contact:
Ms Bishop’s Office: Murray Hansen 0417 886 155
ANSTO Sharon Kelly 0400 394 085
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