Nuclear is a costly distraction from effective climate action

A nuclear energy plan risks delaying – and even derailing – the sensible, considered and speedy transition to renewables that is already well underway and is essential to protect the environment and safeguard our future.

For decades, ACF has united communities for a nuclear-free future. We continue that fight today as talk of nuclear power as a viable energy source in Australia gains traction.

Politicians and vested interests spruiking nuclear are irresponsible, and the current discussion is an attempt to prolong the life of coal and promote gas amid a climate and cost-of-living crisis.

Together we’re calling for a nuclear free future because:

• Nuclear is dirty and dangerous and poses significant community, environment and health risks;
• There’s no chance a nuclear power station could be built in Australia before the late 2040’s. We simply do not have this time to wait, or to waste;
• Nuclear is far more expensive than renewables, 5-10 times more expensive than solar and wind;
• Nuclear power requires a lot of water. Nuclear reactors use tonnes of water per second and on such a dry continent, this isn’t an option;
• All reactors create toxic waste. We have no proven options for managing long-lived radioactive waste which is a massive and lasting intergenerational burden;
• Mining uranium – the fuel for nuclear power – damages the environment and leaves a toxic legacy of radioactive waste, that disproportionately impacts Traditional Owners and remote communities.  

Rapidly scaling up renewable power generation using our abundant resources of wind and power is the fastest, cleanest, cheapest and most reliable way to upgrade to a low carbon energy system and a safer climate future.