Australia currently has no nuclear power generation.

Australia currently has no nuclear power generation, relying instead on extensive, low-cost coal and natural gas reserves, alongside rapidly expanding renewable energy sources. The country’s only nuclear facility is the OPAL research reactor at Lucas Heights, which is used for the production of medical isotopes and research, rather than electricity generation.

In the 2025 federal election, nuclear energy emerged as a sharp policy dividing line. The Liberal Party proposed including nuclear power as part of a phased transition towards renewables, presenting it as a long-term low-emissions option. However, the proposal faced widespread backlash from energy experts, climate bodies, and political opponents.

Critics argued that nuclear would be slower, more expensive, and less effective in cutting emissions in the critical near term compared to renewable alternatives. The Climate Change Authority highlighted the significant legal, technical, and economic barriers, estimating a development timeline of up to 20 years due to Australia’s lack of nuclear infrastructure.

A joint 2024 CSIRO and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) report reinforced these concerns, projecting that a large-scale nuclear reactor would cost up to AUD 17 billion to build and produce electricity at roughly twice the cost of renewable energy sources. Independent cost analyses estimated the Coalition’s nuclear plan could reach AUD 775–821 billion by 2050, more than double the party’s initial estimate, largely due to infrastructure, financing, and waste management expenses. (SOURCE, SOURCE)

While some public and industry voices support nuclear as part of Australia’s long-term energy mix, the 2025 debate underscored deep divisions over its practicality, cost, and role in meeting the nation’s emissions targets.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Australia Country Manager, Jessica Gregory.