Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard Project – Site Licence Application
The Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide is Australia’s most advanced and modern shipbuilding hub and contains an area that has been identified as the preferred site for the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard. This is where nuclear-powered submarines will be built and commissioned.
There are multiple legislative and regulatory approval requirements needed to build and operate the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard, and along with that will come opportunities to engage with the community.
We are towards the beginning of a long, multi-phase process over which there will be many opportunities to find out more information and get involved.
What is the next stage?
In addition to federal and state environmental planning laws, ANI must also apply to the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) for a site licence to prepare a site for a Naval Nuclear Propulsion (NNP) facility within the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard.
The NNP facility is where nuclear-related activities would be undertaken onsite, commencing during the operational phase, specifically:
- Where the submarines will be consolidated, tested and commissioned
- Where safety monitoring and analysis will take place
- Where the power units would be temporarily stored before installation into the submarines
- Other relevant supporting infrastructure.
It is important to note that there will be no radioactive materials used during the preparation of the Construction Yard.
The site licence application will address the requirements of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 and will include details of the evaluation of the geological and geotechnical conditions of the proposed site, environmental impact assessments and mitigations, and outlines the safety measures that would be put in place to prevent accidents and robustly address risks.
The licensing of an NNP facility is a staged process, requiring separate licence applications for each stage of a facility’s lifecycle, as shown in the figure below.
The staged licensing approach aligns with international best practice standards and guidelines. This staged approach allows for continuous improvements in the design, operation and safety throughout the entire facility lifecycle. Although the licensing process is staged, there are linkages between each application phase. This comprehensive approach enables the ANPPSR to make well informed decisions and ensures ongoing improvements in design, operation, and safety throughout the entire facility lifecycle.
Who is the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator?
All nuclear safety activities related to the nuclear-powered submarines built at Osborne will be overseen by the dedicated Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR), under specific legislation, the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 (ANNPS Act).
The ANNPS Act sets out the regulatory framework that will assure the safety of people and the environment in the build, sustainment and operation of nuclear-powered submarines.
The ANNPSR commenced operations on 1 November 2025, and is the regulatory agency responsible for assessing and deciding licence applications for relevant NNP facilities within the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard, which is situated within the Osborne designated zone.
Although ANNPSR is new, it will follow in a long tradition of strong, independent regulation of nuclear activities in Australia. A primary function of ANNPSR is to foster a culture of nuclear safety for all activities associated with nuclear-powered submarines.
How can I find out more information?
ANI prepared a Site Licence Application Summary Overview that summarised key parts of the site licence application in clear language, while maintaining technical accuracy.
To further support understanding, we also prepared a Guide to Reading the Site Licence Application Summary Overview, Fact Sheet and FAQs.
Consultation on the site licence application is now closed.
ANI conducted community consultation on our site licence application in November 2025, and we sincerely appreciate the diverse perspectives shared during this process. Thank you to everyone who attended one of the six community drop-in sessions and to those who took the time and effort to make a submission.
ANI will review all submissions and prepare a response document to ANNPSR, which will be lodged with our site licence application.
A report summarising what we heard from the community will also be published on the ANI webpage.
If you have any further questions about the NPSCY program, please email communityengagement@ani.com.au
Do you need these materials translated?
If you require translation services to help you understand this information, please contact:
Australian Government Translating and Interpreting Services: 13 14 50
South Australian Government Interpreting and Translating Centre: 1800 280 203.
Other helpful resources
ANI recognises that these topics can be complex and wide ranging. To support your understanding we have gathered resources from respected Australian agencies to help you learn more.
SSN-AUKUS – Australian Submarine Agency
Non-Proliferation – Australian Submarine Agency
Industry and Workforce – Australian Submarine Agency
Nuclear Stewardship and Waste – Australian Submarine Agency
Nuclear Science – Everyday Life – ANSTO
Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulations 2025 – Federal Register of Legislation