Australian Nuclear Power Support Surges in Latest Poll

Public Support for Nuclear Power and Climate Policies in Australia: Insights from the Lowy Institute's Annual Poll

Editorial Team (ET)July 5, 2025

The 20th edition of the Lowy Institute's annual poll has revealed a significant shift in Australian attitudes towards nuclear power. For the first time, six in ten Australians now support the use of nuclear power to generate electricity. This marks a dramatic change from previous years, reflecting evolving perceptions about energy sources and climate policies.

Current Public Opinion on Nuclear Power

The recent poll results show that 61% of Australians are "somewhat" or "strongly" supportive of using nuclear power for electricity generation. This is a notable shift from past attitudes, where there was considerable opposition to nuclear energy.

Support for nuclear power is robust, with 61% in favor. Conversely, 37% of respondents are opposed, and only 2% remain undecided. This shift indicates a growing acceptance of nuclear energy as a viable part of Australia’s energy mix.

In stark contrast, the 2011 Lowy Institute poll found that over 62% of Australians were against building nuclear power plants. This significant change in public opinion underscores a shift in the national conversation about energy and environmental sustainability.

Federal Opposition's Stance on Nuclear Energy

The federal opposition has proposed introducing nuclear power generation as part of Australia's energy strategy. This initiative aims to diversify the country's energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The opposition's plan to incorporate nuclear energy aligns with its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious target requires a comprehensive approach, combining various energy sources to ensure sustainability and reliability.

For this plan to materialize, the existing moratorium on nuclear energy generation in Australia must be overturned. This legislative change would pave the way for the development of nuclear power infrastructure.

Climate-Related Policies and Public Support

The poll also gauged public support for a range of climate-related policies proposed by the federal government. These policies aim to address climate change and promote sustainable energy practices.

Support for these policies varies, with some garnering strong backing while others face more skepticism. The poll highlights areas where public opinion is shifting towards greater environmental consciousness.

Although support remains high for many climate-related policies, there has been a slight softening for some measures. This trend suggests a nuanced public view on how best to address climate change.

Approximately six in ten Australians support reducing coal exports as a measure to combat climate change. This reflects a growing recognition of the environmental impact of coal and a desire to transition to cleaner energy sources.

Similarly, there is considerable support for banning new coal mines, with many Australians viewing this as a necessary step towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.

Public support remains steady for subsidizing renewable technologies. This indicates widespread approval of government efforts to promote clean energy solutions.

The poll also found support for increasing the use of gas as a transitional energy source. This approach is seen as a pragmatic step towards reducing reliance on more polluting fossil fuels.

Opinions on renewable energy targets are divided. While 41% believe the current target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030 is appropriate, 33% think it is too ambitious, and 25% feel it is not ambitious enough. This division highlights the challenges in setting and achieving consensus on energy goals.

Public Attitudes Towards Nuclear-Powered Submarines

The poll also explored public opinion on Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the UK and the USA. This partnership aims to enhance Australia's strategic capabilities and security.

Despite ongoing debates, public support for nuclear-powered submarines remains strong, with 65% in favor. This consistent support underscores the perceived strategic benefits of the AUKUS agreement.

Support for nuclear submarines has remained relatively stable, though it has slightly declined from 70% in 2022 to 65% in the latest poll. This trend reflects ongoing public deliberation on the strategic merits and implications of the AUKUS deal.

Methodology of the Poll

The 2024 Lowy Institute poll is based on a national survey of 2028 adults conducted between 4 and 17 March. The survey employed the Life in Australia probability-based online panel, ensuring a representative sample of the national population.

The Social Research Centre conducted the survey, applying rigorous methodological standards to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.

The poll has a margin of error of 2.2%, reflecting the precision of the sampling method and the robustness of the findings.

Implications of the Poll Results

The shift in public opinion towards nuclear power could significantly influence policy-making. Lawmakers may feel more empowered to consider nuclear energy as a viable option for Australia's energy future.

If the moratorium on nuclear energy is overturned, Australia could see the development of nuclear power plants, contributing to a more diversified and sustainable energy portfolio.

The growing support for nuclear power, coupled with strong backing for renewable technologies, suggests a potential shift in Australia's energy strategy towards a more balanced and sustainable mix of energy sources.

Conclusion

The latest Lowy Institute poll reveals a significant shift in Australian attitudes towards nuclear power. With six in ten Australians now supportive of nuclear energy, there is a growing consensus on the need for diverse and sustainable energy solutions. As public opinion evolves, policymakers will need to navigate these changes to achieve the nation's energy and environmental goals.

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