Nuclear fuel cycle for Australia?

Australia's low cost uranium resources are among the largest in the world, but only a small amount is being exported due to political and environmental considerations. There are currently no plans to increase the export of uranium, or add value to the existing export by enrichment, or prepare for possible introduction of nuclear electricity generating plants, in spite of the greenhouse effect of increasing use of coal fired stations. This paper reviews developments in reactor technology, safety and reliability, with particular reference to Australia. Generating costs of nuclear and coal fired stations are discussed, together with the industrial infrastructure and legislation required for the introduction of nuclear energy. It is concluded that Australia could benefit by the introduction of the nuclear fuel cycle.