Nuclear power
Should nuclear power be part of the mix?
Nuclear power is about whether a country should rely on atomic reactors for a major part of its electricity. Supporters point to steady, low carbon power that works whatever the weather. Critics point to high construction costs, long timelines, waste that must be stored for a very long time and the rare but serious risk of accidents. The debate often overlaps with the wider question of how fast to cut fossil fuels and what to use instead.
On the 12 Axes, the statement moves the technology axis. Backing a major role for nuclear power pulls toward Embrace, since it trusts engineering to solve an energy problem. Opposing it pulls toward Caution. The issue cuts across the usual left and right split in an unusual way. Many environmentalists on the left oppose nuclear power, while a growing number support it as a climate tool. Many conservatives like it for reliability and energy independence, while some on the right object to its cost and to state subsidies.
What each side argues
Build more nuclear
- Supporters say nuclear gives reliable, low carbon power day and night.
- Supporters argue that a small amount of fuel produces a large amount of energy, which helps energy independence.
- Supporters believe modern designs are safe and that waste can be managed.
Choose other sources
- Opponents say reactors are expensive and slow to build.
- Opponents argue that waste stays dangerous for a very long time and accidents, though rare, are severe.
- Opponents believe renewables and storage can do the job faster and with less risk.
The statement on nuclear power
- Nuclear power should be a major part of the country's energy supply.Agreeing moves you toward Embrace
What politicians have said and done
Angus TaylorHe would drop the Safeguard Mechanism along with Australia's net zero targets, let coal plants run for as long as they can, and end the nuclear power ban.Source: rsm.global
Alice WeidelSpeaking in January 2025, she said an AfD government would withdraw from the shared EU asylum system, dismantle wind turbines and bring working nuclear plants back online.Source: zdfheute.de
Markus SöderA return to the closed nuclear plants was too late, he said in March 2026, and he backed small modular reactors and up to 400 million euros for a fusion demonstration reactor.Source: zdfheute.de
Emmanuel MacronHis 2022 plans called for six new nuclear reactors, with a study of eight more.Source: world-nuclear-news.org
At each end of Technology
People whose overall profile leans furthest each way on the axis this issue moves most. A lean on the axis is not a stance on this exact issue.
More technology issues
Nuclear power: questions
Is nuclear power clean energy?
It produces very little carbon during operation, so many call it low carbon. Critics point to mining, construction and radioactive waste. Supporters answer that waste volumes are small and can be stored safely. Whether it counts as clean depends on which environmental risks you weigh most.
Why do some environmentalists oppose nuclear power?
They worry about accidents, long lived waste, high costs and the risk of weapons spreading. Many also argue that money is better spent on wind, solar and storage. Others in the same movement now back nuclear as a necessary tool against climate change.
Is nuclear power left or right wing?
It does not fit neatly. Conservatives often support it for energy security and reliability, but some oppose the cost. The left has historically been skeptical on environmental grounds, yet many now support it for climate reasons. Your view on technology, caution and risk usually matters more than party.