Push to strip nuclear power ban after subs

The coalition has moved to strip a ban on nuclear energy in Australia.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for a discussion on whether nuclear power can become part of the energy mix as the nation faces higher electricity prices.

His Nationals colleagues have gone further, calling for an overturning of the current ban.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan has moved to repeal the ban in the Senate with a private bill co-sponsored by coalition colleagues.

Senator Canavan said the repeal doesn't mean nuclear power would start tomorrow, with significant regulatory frameworks still in place.

But the industry needed to be given the green light so it could be operable before Australia faced a similar energy crisis to Europe, he said.

"You don't want to ... be making these decisions at the same time you're facing a massive crisis," he told Sky News.

"That's why we should do this today."

The Queensland senator said there was a much larger appetite in Australia for nuclear energy after the government signed on to buy nuclear-propelled submarines.

"When we announced nuclear submarines last year, there was basically zero controversy," he said.

"People realised, given the geopolitical situation we faced, whatever hang-ups we had on nuclear energy, we needed them in our submarines.

"Likewise here given the energy situation we face ... we cannot afford to take options off the table."

Energy Minister Chris Bowen laughed at the suggestion, saying it was the most expensive form of power Australia could invest in.

Mr Bowen said industry groups had stated Australia would need about 80 nuclear plants to produce the electricity it needed.

"That is one (for) every second MP. Put your hand up if you would like one," he told the parliament.

"You get a nuclear power plant. You get a nuclear power plant and you get a nuclear power plant. There is plenty to go around!"