Australia Nuclear Update

An Australian-based think tank is urging that nation to consider using thorium to power a new generation of nuclear reactors:

Australia should consider using its abundant reserves of the radioactive metal thorium to provide the nation with a vital alternative source of energy, a strategic thinktank says.

Australia's centre for strategic analysis, Future Directions International, made the recommendation in a new study on the country's future energy options released.

The study, Australia's Energy Options, says new safer and cleaner nuclear energy technologies could replace the country's reliance on oil, gas and coal for electricity.

It suggested Australia could use thorium instead of uranium to generate a new source of electricity.

"Australia holds the world's largest reserves of thorium, which could possibly fuel low-risk/low waste reactors which did not generate weapons-grade fissionable material, and which also could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Future Directions said.

The study said Australia has much to gain from looking at the nuclear issue and urged the government to carry out a review of new nuclear technologies.

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