Call to remove nuclear power ban

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The AFR article argues that Australia should lift the ban on nuclear power and let the market decide whether or not it is a viable option. Alan Schwartz the author claims that nuclear power is a clean and reliable source of energy that could help Australia meet its emissions reduction targets. They also argue that the ban on nuclear power is outdated and that there are now many safe and efficient nuclear power technologies available, including SMRs.

SMRs are small nuclear reactors that are designed to be mass-produced and easily transported. They are seen as a potential solution to some of the challenges associated with traditional nuclear power plants, such as their high cost and long construction times.

The author of the article argues that SMRs could be a major part of Australia's clean energy future. They claim that SMRs could be used to provide baseload power, to generate hydrogen for use in transport and industry, and to desalinate seawater.

The author acknowledges that there are some risks associated with nuclear power, such as the potential for accidents. However, they argue that these risks are outweighed by the benefits of nuclear power, such as its low emissions and its ability to provide baseload power.

The author concludes by calling on the Australian government to lift the ban on nuclear power and allow the market to decide whether or not it is a viable option. They argue that nuclear power, including SMRs, could play a significant role in helping Australia meet its emissions reduction targets and achieve a clean energy future.

Here are some of the key points from the article about SMRs:

SMRs are small nuclear reactors that are designed to be mass-produced and easily transported.
SMRs could be a major part of Australia's clean energy future.
SMRs could be used to provide baseload power, to generate hydrogen for use in transport and industry, and to desalinate seawater.
There are some risks associated with nuclear power, such as the potential for accidents. However, the author argues that these risks are outweighed by the benefits of nuclear power.
https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-an...0230716-p5dol2

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https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news...-reactors-smrs

Summary of the article "What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?" from the IAEA website:

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear reactors that are smaller and simpler than traditional nuclear power plants. They are designed to be mass-produced and easily transported, which could make them more affordable and quicker to build than traditional nuclear power plants.

SMRs have a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including generating electricity, providing heat for industrial processes, and desalinating seawater.

There are many different designs for SMRs, and some are still in the development stage. However, there are a number of advantages to SMRs that could make them a more attractive option for nuclear power in the future. These advantages include:

* Smaller size and simpler design could make them more affordable and quicker to build.
* Modular design could make them easier to transport and install.
* Potential for economies of scale could reduce the cost of electricity from SMRs.
* Flexibility in design could allow SMRs to be used for a variety of purposes.

There are also some challenges associated with SMRs, such as the need for adequate safety regulations and the potential for proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA believes that the potential benefits of SMRs outweigh the challenges.

The IAEA is supporting the development of SMRs through its Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Platform. The Platform provides a forum for countries to share information and expertise on SMRs, and it also helps to promote international cooperation in the development of this technology.

Overall, SMRs are a promising new technology that could play a significant role in the future of nuclear power. They offer a number of potential advantages over traditional nuclear power plants, and the IAEA is supporting their development.

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Read more about SMRs at https://www.world-nuclear.org/inform...-reactors.aspx

Generally, modern small reactors for power generation, and especially SMRs, are expected to have greater simplicity of design, economy of series production largely in factories, short construction times, and reduced siting costs.

Most are also designed for a high level of passive or inherent safety in the event of malfunctions. Also many are designed to be emplaced below ground level, giving a high resistance to terrorist threats. A 2010 report by a special committee convened by the American Nuclear Society showed that many safety provisions necessary, or at least prudent, in large reactors are not necessary in the small designs forthcoming. This is largely due to their higher surface area to volume (and core heat) ratio compared with large units. It means that a lot of the engineering for safety including heat removal in large reactors is not needed in the small reactors. Since small reactors are envisaged as replacing fossil fuel plants in many situations, the emergency planning zone required is designed to be no more than about 300 m radius.