Energy is a vital component of the economy and is essential for nearly all human activities. In recent decades, the global demand for energy has surged due to the expanding economic activities, population growth, and rapid technological advancements. Energy supply constraints have become a persistent problem for many economies. Similarly, Pakistan has also faced frequent energy shortages which adversely affected its economic growth and development. At present, Pakistan continues to grapple with energy challenges, including rising fuel import costs, insufficient generation capacity, and an overreliance on fossil fuels.
For ages, fossil fuels remained the dominant source of energy globally. In the 1950s, commercial nuclear power stations were operationalized. With this, a path for nuclear energy was opened, reduced oil and gas import dependency in many countries. Several countries began nuclear power programs after the 1970s energy crisis (a dramatic surge in global oil prices) and most Nuclear Power Reactors (NPRs) were constructed from 1970 to 1985.
According to the report Pakistan’s Nuclear Energy Outlook, by Afia Malik, published by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, there has been a renewed interest in nuclear energy worldwide as a solution to meet the growing energy demands due to concerns over carbon emissions and unpredictability in fossil fuel prices. Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as economical, clean and ecologically friendly energy source, with substantial applications in the energy sector.
In Pakistan, many energy experts highlight the need to lessen dependence on fossil fuels and fully utilize the potential of nuclear energy. Therefore, launching a civil nuclear program offers an affordable and sustainable solution that aligns with achieving sustainable development goals. This approach is considered a viable strategy to address the country’s growing energy demands, as energy crisis is rising due to the economic burden of fossil fuel use.
In the Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23, it is reported that 63% of Pakistan’s commercial energy supplies comes from fossil fuels while the remaining 37% is derived from renewables including hydro (28%) and nuclear power (9%). Pakistan’s current energy mix include coal, natural gas, hydropower, renewable energy, and nuclear power.
Pakistan is actively transitioning toward more sustainable energy alternatives. Because nuclear and renewable energy offer the greatest potential for expanding energy production compared to hydro, coal, and natural gas. The reason to transition towards more sustainable energy substitutes is to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, control green house gas emissions, and address the mounting energy demands of its population. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23 report, Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) are a consistent source of electricity. As they can run for up to 18 months without refueling and store enough fuel for another 18 months on site. It makes them immune to short-term changes in fuel prices or availability and allows them to achieve very high-capacity factors.
Nuclear energy grasps significant capacity in addressing the country’s electricity needs while also mitigating the effects of climate change. Transitioning to nuclear energy does not necessarily mean completely abandoning non-renewable energy. As a substitute adopting small-scale NPPs provide a feasible solution to safeguard Pakistan’s energy system against future disruptions. Although the initial construction costs of NPPs are high but they can be more efficient in the long-run as compared to wind and solar energy resources.
As Pakistan struggles with energy shortages and seeks to diversify its energy mix, the role of nuclear energy in the country’s future has become a main discussion. In Pakistan, currently, there are six NPPs with a total capacity of 3,530 MW making a substantial contribution to the national energy mix. These facilities are particularly critical in meeting energy demands during peak consumption periods. Therefore, a key area of potential growth lies in the adoption of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). It offers safer, flexible, and cost-effective solutions, making them especially suitable for countries like Pakistan.
Moreover, the considerable potential of uranium in Pakistan provides an opportunity to fuel future nuclear power plants. They ensure long-term energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Nevertheless, fully realizing the potential of nuclear energy in Pakistan requires overcoming several challenges. These include safety concerns, nuclear proliferation risks, public apprehensions, and regulatory obstacles. Furthermore, the high capital investment and prolonged development timelines related with nuclear projects present financial and logistical hurdles.
Environmental considerations also play a critical role in shaping the future of nuclear energy. In order to avoid environmental damages specifically in the shape of global warming caused by the Carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by burning fossil fuels nuclear power can be used as an alternative.
For example, according to the key findings of the report Pakistan Nuclear Energy Outlook (2023), from July-March FY2023, nuclear power generation avoided about 10 million tonnes of CO2 entering the environment, whereas the lifetime avoidance of CO2 emissions is estimated at around 85 million tonnes.
Despite the fact nuclear power serves as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, however, issues such as radioactive waste management, the risk of nuclear accidents, and the environmental impact of Uranium mining must be carefully addressed and mitigated.
Nuclear energy is a sustainable and low-carbon energy source. But it has often been stigmatized due to fears that it would provide path for nuclear weapon proliferation. However, with advancements in nuclear technology for peaceful applications, it has reemerged as a critical tool in combating climate change. This shift indicates a return to nuclear energy with a modernized approach.
The detrimental effects of CO2 emissions, mainly on fertile croplands give rise to a significant threat to the well-being and economic stability of developing nations, many of which rely heavily on agriculture. For instance, Lahore consistently ranks among cities with the worst air quality. Pakistan’s annual smog crisis is a stark reminder that fossil fuels are not the path forward. It is worth noting that inhaling pollutants from fossil fuels, leading to bronchitis and other health issues.
Moreover, sustainable development requires access to clean, affordable, and modern energy, as charted in Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). Therefore, nuclear power offers a reliable, clean, and economically viable solution for electricity generation because, it produces no Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).
Countries like France which generates 75% of its electricity from nuclear power, and others such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, serve as models for Pakistan to follow in reducing GHG emissions while utilizing nuclear energy as an inexpensive electricity source. James Hansen, the NASA scientist who first brought global warming to public attention, strongly advocates for the expansion of nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels.
By 2050, Pakistan aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in its energy sector. Though the progress is mired by insufficient funding and the reluctance to cooperate on civil nuclear initiatives. For Pakistan, expanding the use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes is essential to attaining environmental sustainability and meeting its long-term energy goals.
