Nuclear Power for Australia

John Howard has announced (on the day the ALP was debating whether to remove their policy ban of new uranium mines) steps towards using nuclear power in Australia. Australia has 36% of the world’s low cost uranium reserves, and exports it all currently.

The great quandary for the green movement is that nuclear power produces a minuscule amount of carbon emissions compared to most other forms of high capacity power plants. So this move may lead to Australia doing significantly better with carbon reductions.

But of course there is much kneejerk opposition to nuclear and it is a risky move in terms of public support. What it shows though is that Howard, being behind in the polls, is not afraid to take a risk and to set the agenda. Whether it works or not, time will tell.