The best energy option

This letter refers to the article ‘A case for nuclear energy’ (October 5, 2024) by Ali Sarwar Naqvi. As our country grapples with electricity demand supply issues as well as fluctuating costs, the writer's arguments highlight the urgent need to reconsider our energy mix. Nuclear energy’s low and stable fuel costs – averaging Rs1.5 per unit – provide a stark contrast to the volatile pricing of imported fossil fuels. This stability can potentially save Pakistan between $1.1 billion and $2.3 billion in foreign exchange costs annually, relieving our economy from financial pressures.

Moreover, the capacity factor of nuclear plants, combined with their ability to operate continuously for extended periods, positions them as a reliable backbone for our electricity supply. This reliability is crucial as we integrate more variable renewable energy sources, which, while essential for a diversified energy strategy, require backup systems to manage their intermittency. As we look to the future, it is vital that policymakers recognise nuclear energy not merely as a component of our energy mix, but as a cornerstone for a sustainable and economically viable electricity supply system.

Saleem Ullah

Islamabad