Nuclear or Not?
Available late February 2007
The mining industry is booming in Australia and debate regarding the construction of Nuclear power plants continues to bounce around the media. Australia is the second largest exporter of Uranium in the world next to Canada with only three working uranium mines. John Howard has released the final report of the Government's review into nuclear energy, uranium mining and processing. The report has found nuclear power is part of the solution to Australia's future energy needs and the challenge of climate change. Although the opposition, state governments and the greens party all seem to disagree. This unit will examine the history of the uranium mining industry in Australia and examine the possibility of more mines opening and nuclear power becoming a reality for Australia.
The Australian institute of public policy has flagged fives sites in Australia for possible nuclear power plants. This unit will use a check list for a nuclear power plant site examining:
- Water supply
- Near an existing electricity grid
- near a major electrical load centre
- Good port facilities
It will also examine the social, economic, environmental and political implications of situating nuclear power plants at these five sites. This unit can be taught across all year levels. Students will complete a report either recommending or rejecting new uranium mines and nuclear power plants for Australia.
Uranium Sites in Australia
Number of Nuclear Power Plants Worldwide - 2005
