Strategic advice

Nuclear power may be an option for Australia in the coming decades, potentially occupying a supportive niche, providing dispatchable power in a high-renewables grid. While not presupposing the suitability of nuclear power for Australia, ATSE suggests that all technology options should be considered as part of Australia’s urgent decarbonisation project.

Engineers Australia and ATSE support a review of energy planning and regulation. Energy planning and regulation must balance the power systems' physical requirements, the best interests of the end users and market considerations.

Our submission to the National Energy Workforce Strategy makes 5 major recommendations. ATSE calls for a national strategy to increase cooperation and integration of vocational education into high schools and universities, as well as investment in clean energy job in communities built around coal and gas.

SMRs could potentially form part of Australia’s future low-carbon energy mix, utilising existing transmission infrastructure and contributing to baseload power, or providing dispatchable power in a high-renewables grid. As an emerging technology, in 2024 the cost and operational performance of this technology has not yet been demonstrated.

Reducing emissions from energy use via renewable electricity and electrification is necessary for Australia to reach net zero.

A strong focus on building a path to a renewable-led energy system is to be highly commended.

Natural gas, which emits less carbon than most other fossil fuels, has a limited role as a transition fuel from coal to renewable energy sources.

ATSE's electricity security explainer outlines options for driving Australia’s progress towards a zero emission electricity system. 

To surpass current commitments, Australia must embrace technology-led decarbonisation targeting our highest-emitting sectors.