Green groups shut down nuclear NSW talk

Green groups have ridiculed talk of nuclear power being placed back on the agenda by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro as a 'nutty' idea.

Green groups have condemned the NSW deputy premier for wanting nuclear energy back on the agenda. (AAP)

Green groups have reacted swiftly to condemn an attempt by Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro to place nuclear energy back on the agenda.

Mr Barilaro told the NSW Nationals Annual Conference in Broken Hill on Thursday nuclear energy could mean "guaranteed power to millions, lower bills and next to no emissions" in the face of a power crisis.

He said energy costs were crushing businesses, farmers and families.

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to declare nuclear options weren't on the table.

"Renewables are by far the cheapest, cleanest and most sustainable way to meet our energy needs," chief executive Kate Smolski said in a statement.

She said nuclear power was "dirty, dangerous and expensive" and could leave a "toxic legacy".

Ms Smolski challenged Mr Barilaro to explain which electorate would house a nuclear reactor, uranium processing plant and radioactive waste dumps.

The NSW Greens energy spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham said Mr Barilaro's comments showed the party was out of touch with the community.

"This is just another nutty, extreme idea from the National Party who is stuck in the wrong century pushing coal and nuclear and ignoring the massive renewable energy potential of Australia," he said.