Report says SA should store nuclear waste Tuesday, 16 February 2016

The South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission has released tentative findings, suggesting that the state should continue to mine uranium, should consider storing used nuclear fuel, but further processing of uranium in SA and the construction of a nuclear reactor for the generation of electricity were unlikely to be economic in the short-term.

The most contentious finding was the one regarding the storage and disposal of used nuclear fuel. Commissioner Kevin Scarce said it would meet a global need and is likely to deliver substantial economic benefits to the community, generating total revenue of more than $257 billion, with total costs of $145 billion over 120 years.

This was equivalent to more than $5 billion a year for the first 30 years of operation and around $2 billion per year over the following 40 years.

SA Premier Jay Weatherill said Cabinet has discussed the Royal Commission’s tentative findings but was yet to form a position - either for or against - the tentative findings.

“I established the Royal Commission so that the Government and the community could be presented with a comprehensive set of facts in order to inform their position on the State’s involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle,” the Premier said.

“I anticipate that for many South Australians, this will understandably be an emotion-charged debate, however it is important that everyone is afforded the opportunity to have their say.”

The Chair of Engineers Australia’s Nuclear Engineering Panel Tony Irwin said that engineering skills should be a primary focus of any recommendation for action.

“The Royal Commission investigated the full nuclear fuel cycle, including mining, processing, electricity generation and waste management. Engineers Australia supported the wide-ranging fact-based inquiry," Irwin said.

“An essential step is for the Government to set a long-term energy plan that is agreed by major political parties. Government, educators and industry can then ensure the right engineering skills are available at the right time and embrace energy innovation to create jobs for the future."

The Royal Commission is now looking for feedback to its tentative recommendations, details of which can be found on its website www.nuclearrc.sa.gov.au

Its final report will be delivered in May this year.

 

The Olympic Dam uranium mine near Roxby Downs, South Australia. Photo: BHP Billiton