Australian uranium exports are back in focus as India targets 100GW
India’s target of 100GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 has renewed focus on Australian uranium exports. The country also plans to add 18 more nuclear reactors by 2032.
That push comes 12 years after India and an Australian Labor Government signed a landmark uranium export deal. The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Australia has added fresh attention to the issue.
Australia holds the world’s largest known uranium deposits. However, uranium mining remains restricted in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland.
NSW vote and uranium bans
Will Shackel, founder of Nuclear for Australia, said India’s rising energy demand creates an opening for Australian suppliers. He linked that case to growing global interest in uranium for nuclear energy.
“Nuclear energy powered by Australian uranium would be a safe, low emissions solution for a country with significant and growing energy demands like India,” Shackel said.
Shackel argued the Labor Government recognised the export opportunity more than a decade ago when it backed the deal with India. According to his case, ministers should now use that agreement to help position Australia as a global clean energy power source.
He described a nuclear renaissance driven by the clean energy transition and demand for reliable, affordable baseload power. India, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States are among the countries investing in that sector.
Within Australia, South Australia leads the uranium mining industry. Meanwhile, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland still limit mining through bans or restrictions.
In New South Wales, the Legislative Council voted in May in favour of a bill to lift the prohibition on nuclear energy and uranium mining. That vote marked a historic step in the state’s debate.
Shackel also tied the uranium debate to Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine programme. Following that investment, he argued Australia should not ignore the uranium export market.
“Together with investment in the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine programme, Australia must not pass up the chance this moment presents,” Mr Shackel said.
Australia, he argued, should overturn nuclear bans that block new mining in three states. Because India plans major reactor growth by 2032 and 2047, supporters say policy changes now could help Australia supply more fuel overseas and reopen debate about nuclear power in an Australian clean energy grid.
