In brief - Royal Commission into nuclear fuel cycle expansion
releases key findings
Using nuclear fuels to generate base load electricity to address
increasing electricity prices, as well as the need to reduce carbon
emissions, is being considered by the South Australian government
who established a Royal Commission to investigate the
possibilities. The Commission has found that while expanding the
nuclear fuel cycle in that state may be possible, bipartisan
support federally for making the necessary legislative changes will
be a crucial factor.
Increasing electricity prices a factor for considering nuclear
alternative
Recent press reports have focused on the spike in electricity
prices in South Australia, that is argued by some to be caused by
an over-reliance on renewable energy in that state. There is also
constant discussion as to whether a combination of factors,
including production from export-oriented LNG plants in Queensland,
dwindling oil and gas
