A nuclear physicists says the key difference between nuclear-powered submarines and conventional submarines is that nuclear submarines won’t need to be refuelled.

Australia will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines after signing a new deal with the US and UK.

Nuclear Physicist at the Australia National University A.J Mitchell says each of them will be equipped with a “miniature nuclear reactor”.

“It’s like any other submarine really, from the outside,” he told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

“The key difference is the way the submarines are powered internally.

“That comes from them really having what you could call a miniature nuclear reactor.”

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