What is involved in disposing of radioactive waste from AUKUS nuclear submarines?

Welcome to a Cosmos Insights podcast, where we talk to scientists in Australia about the impact of their work.

Australia will dispose of high-level nuclear waste from AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, according to details revealed when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met leaders of UK and US on March 13.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the radioactive waste – including spent nuclear fuel – would require a new facility to be built on “current or future” Defence land with the process of selecting a site beginning in 2023.

Cosmos journalists Matt Agius and Petra Stock talked to Honorary Associate Professor Tony Irwin, Lecturer, Department of Nuclear Physics, Australian National University; Dr Nigel Marks, Material Scientist, Curtin University; Sara Bice, Foundation Director, Institute for Infrastructure in Society, Crawford School of Public Policy at Australian National University; and Amy Rust, Head of Engagement and communications, First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, about what finding a site and disposing of high-level nuclear waste might involve.

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