Australia Urged to Capitalise on India's Nuclear Energy Expansion

Canberra — Advocacy group Nuclear for Australia has called on the Federal Government to expand Australia's role in the global nuclear fuel supply chain, arguing that India's planned expansion of nuclear power presents a significant opportunity for the country's uranium industry.

The call comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Australia, with India pursuing an ambitious target of generating 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047 and planning to add 18 nuclear reactors to its energy mix by 2032.

Nuclear for Australia said Australia's large uranium reserves position it to benefit from growing international demand for nuclear fuel, but argued existing restrictions on uranium mining in some states could limit that opportunity.

"Nuclear energy powered by Australian uranium would be a safe, low-emissions solution for a country with significant and growing energy demands like India," Nuclear for Australia founder Will Shackel said.

Shackel said the uranium export agreement signed by Australia and India more than a decade ago had laid the foundation for stronger energy cooperation and urged the government to build on that relationship.

"The Labour Government saw the opportunity in uranium exports to India over a decade ago," he said.

He said growing global investment in nuclear energy reflected increasing demand for reliable, low-emissions electricity as countries pursue energy security and emissions reduction goals.

"The world is having a nuclear renaissance," Shackel said.

Australia is home to some of the world's largest known uranium reserves, with South Australia currently leading domestic uranium production.

However, uranium mining remains restricted in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland.

Nuclear for Australia said countries including India, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States were investing heavily in nuclear energy and argued Australia should strengthen its participation in the international nuclear industry.

Shackel also linked Australia's uranium sector with broader national strategic interests, including the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine programme.

"Australia needs to overturn its outdated nuclear bans," he said.

The organisation said removing restrictions on uranium mining would allow Australia to expand uranium exports while also considering whether nuclear energy could contribute to the country's future electricity mix.

Debate over nuclear energy has intensified in Australia in recent years as governments, industry and energy experts consider options to balance energy security, electricity affordability and emissions reduction while meeting future demand.