When a medium power should choose a nuclear carrier

Should a fictional medium power choose a nuclear PA-NG-style carrier or a conventionally powered design?

Nuclear power makes sense for one globally deployed catapult carrier, while a locally focused navy may find conventional propulsion cheaper and easier to support.

The hypothetical choice is between a nuclear PA-NG-style carrier and a conventionally powered design for a medium power. Global operating distances and a single large carrier favor nuclear power in the discussion, with Australia offered as another case where distance matters. Britain provides a different example: port access and a STOVL air wing reduce the case for nuclear propulsion and electromagnetic catapult power. Political reluctance toward nuclear surface ships is also part of the explanation offered for the British choice. A nuclear carrier could carry fuel for its task group without consuming as much of that fuel itself. For a smaller navy operating locally, conventional propulsion is judged the more economical option.