Liberal and Nationals MPs are urging the Morrison government to tackle the politically thorny issue of nuclear energy, arguing its potential as a zero-emission source of baseload power is too tempting to ignore.

Coalition MPs have spoken out on nuclear energy as a solution to the need to decarbonise the economy, arguing the government can maintain Australia's long-held moratorium on nuclear power and take modest steps in early stage research and development of new technologies.

Dr Katie Allen wants to be able to consider all options when it comes to energy. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, inner-city Melbourne Liberal MP Katie Allen said Australia has a "unique opportunity" to help lead the way on research and development of "safer and more effective" nuclear energy.

Dr Allen, a paediatrician and medical researcher with a PhD, said "question marks remain" over the potential to use renewables as the sole source to power Australia's energy grid.