The question of nuclear power is a question for the Australian public.
However, as an article in today’s The Australian newspaper makes clear, Australia already has the sovereign capability to dispose of low-level radioactive waste generated by such a program, and from AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines – thanks to Tellus and Sandy Ridge.
“The company behind the only radioactive waste disposal site in Australia says the country has the capacity to handle much of the waste that would be generated under the Coalition’s nuclear power station plans.
“Tellus Holdings early last year opened its Sandy Ridge facility in a remote corner of Western Australia, some 240km northwest of Kalgoorlie. The facility accepts low-level radioactive waste generated by hospitals and universities, as well as hazardous waste from the mining, renewables and oil and gas sectors.
Tellus managing director and chief executive Nate Smith said the company had already disposed of more than 5750 cubic metres of low-level radioactive waste from locations in every mainland state and territory since it opened Sandy Ridge.
“While we can’t dispose of spent fuel from nuclear reactors, which is a matter for government, the day-to-day waste challenge for nuclear reactors is the same for AUKUS submarines – safe disposal of low-level radioactive waste, and Tellus has solved this and can dispose of this material today.”
Nate Smith Managing Director & CEO, Tellus