The pressing need to transition from fossil fuel energy to a low carbon future has seen renewed calls for domestic nuclear power in Australia’s political arena.

But ‘next generation’ nuclear is not a credible energy response and the pursuit of nuclear power in Australia makes no sense. It would slow the transition to a low-carbon economy. It would increase electricity costs. It would unnecessarily introduce challenges and risks associated with high-level nuclear waste management and the potential for catastrophic accidents, with inter-generational economic implications for Australian taxpayers. In short, Australia’s energy future is renewable, not radioactive.

It is important to note that proponents of nuclear power in Australia are not calling for the deployment of existing nuclear reactor technology. Instead, they are promoting ‘next-generation’ nuclear technology which currently does not exist to scale.

This briefing paper explores the global status of Small Modular Reactors and wider ‘next-generation’ nuclear technology and explores whether this technology is fit for purpose in Australia.