The recent announcement of the AUKUS agreement has sparked discussions about the potential for Australia to develop its own nuclear energy capabilities. While the focus of the agreement is on the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, it has brought the topic of nuclear energy to the forefront of public discussion in Australia. This raises questions about the future of the Australian nuclear energy education landscape and why universities and schools need to address nuclear energy in career education
One potential impact of the AUKUS agreement on the Australian nuclear energy education landscape is the creation of demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear industry. According to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the development of nuclear energy in Australia could create thousands of new jobs in the nuclear industry, including roles for engineers, scientists, and technicians.
Universities and schools need to prioritise the development of nuclear energy education to ensure that the country has a skilled workforce to support the industry’s growth. This includes investing in research and development and providing students with practical opportunities to gain experience in the industry.
Currently, there are limited undergraduate or postgraduate courses in nuclear engineering offered in Australian universities. However, there is growing interest in the potential for Australia to develop nuclear energy as a form of electricity generation. This has led to discussions about the need for a skilled workforce in the nuclear industry and the potential for universities to develop new courses and programs in nuclear engineering and related fields.
However, there are some signs that the development of nuclear energy education in Australia may be gaining momentum. In 2020, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) announced plans to establish a Centre for Excellence in Nuclear Science and Technology, which will include a focus on education and training.
In addition, some Australian universities have already started to incorporate nuclear-related topics into their courses. For example, the University of Melbourne offers a subject on nuclear power and radiation in its Bachelor of Science program, while the University of Sydney includes nuclear physics and reactor technology in its Master of Engineering program. The creation of new standalone courses and interdisciplinary programs that draw on existing expertise in areas such as physics, engineering, chemistry, and environmental science will increase the skilled workforce in the nuclear energy industry.
There are also potential challenges to the development of nuclear energy education in Australia. One key issue is the lack of public support for nuclear energy, with a recent poll indicating that only 30% of Australians support the use of nuclear power. This could impact the availability of funding and resources for nuclear energy education programs, as well as the willingness of universities to invest in these areas. Dr. John Harries, Senior Lecturer in Energy Studies at the University of New South Wales, suggests that Australian universities could develop programs that focus on nuclear safety, radiation protection, and environmental impact assessment. He argues that these programs could help to address some of the concerns that the Australian public has about nuclear energy.
Another challenge is the regulatory framework for nuclear energy in Australia. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is responsible for regulating nuclear safety in Australia, but there are currently no nuclear power plants operating in the country. This means that there is limited expertise and infrastructure for nuclear regulation, which could create barriers to the development of nuclear energy education and research.
Despite these challenges, there are also potential benefits to the development of nuclear energy education in Australia. One key advantage is the potential for nuclear energy to provide a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity. This could help Australia to meet its emissions reduction targets and transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Given the potential growth of the nuclear industry in Australia, it is crucial that educational institutions equip students with practical experience and a thorough understanding of the industry, including nuclear safety, radiation protection, and environmental impact assessment.
So, how might the Australian nuclear energy education landscape change in the coming years? It is difficult to say for certain, as much will depend on a range of factors, including government policies, public opinion, and the availability of funding and resources.
The nuclear industry has the potential to create a range of high-skilled jobs, including engineers, scientists, and technicians. It could also support the development of new industries, such as nuclear medicine and research. As Australia considers the potential development of its own nuclear energy capabilities, it is crucial that educational institutions prioritise the development of nuclear energy education to ensure that the country has a skilled workforce to support the industry’s growth. This will require significant investment, research, and practical experience opportunities, as well as a focus on addressing public perceptions of nuclear energy.