Experts describe nuclear energy as key to addressing climate change, reforming energy sector

Peaceful use of nuclear technology and its optimum utilisation holds the key to resolving energy-related woes of Pakistan besides helping the country achieve a sustainable solution to mitigate the climate change crisis. This was the crux of the deliberations and discourse held during the seminar on ‘Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy’ held here on Tuesday.

The seminar was organised by the Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS) in collaboration with DHA Suffa University (DSU) and Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MiTE), at the DSU auditorium.

The seminar was divided into plenary and core sessions. Prof. Dr. Huma Baqai, Rector MiTE, chaired and opened the plenary session.

She elaborated that according to the Government of Pakistan’s vision, 40,000MW of electricity to be produced through nuclear power plants (NPP) by 2050, fulfilling a quarter of the total energy needs of the country, is an appreciable landmark and needs to be pursued in the best national interest.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saeed Minhas, Vice Chancellor DSU, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between national departments for achieving sustainable goals for the country.

Mr. Junaid Naqi, President, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), closed the session with remarks highlighting the role of NPPs including four in Chashma and two in Karachi providing over 3500MW of clean energy to the national grid. He further shed light on the role of nuclear energy being utilized by PAEC in radiopharmaceuticals, isotope production, non-destructive testing, water desalination and other venues which offer venues for collaboration between industry, academia, public and private sectors.

“Energy fuels growth and growth empowers nations and use of Atom for Peace and Development is the out of box solution that the country direly needs and KATI vows to extend its full support in every step taken to this effect,” he added.

The keynote address of the session was delivered by Mr. Khaqan Hassan Najeeb, former advisor, Ministry of Finance. He elaborated the energy reset vision.

In his presentation, Mr. Khaqan paid a rich tribute to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) which he said is the best example of how a competent workforce equipped with autonomy in making independent decisions can work wonders. The same model of success needs to be replicated in all public sector departments.

He stressed that there is nothing like ‘game-changer’ as only hard work and consistent efforts to stabilise the macro economy can help Pakistan come out of the crisis. “Reorganized Energy Architecture is the ultimate destination for Pakistan. A competitive market in the energy retail industry is the need of the hour. Approximately 3,600MW of electricity, fulfilling 10 percent of electricity needs of the country is being produced through nuclear power which is quite encouraging and this clean source of energy which is also baseload needs to be further prioritized,” he added.

Mr. Najeeb further said that policy and tax reorganization and reforms is a must and it can be achieved only by hiring the competent human resource, incentivising demand of electricity and managing its cyclicity.

Explaining the economics of nuclear power, he said, in 2023 nuclear provided 17% of the total electricity, which is an impressive success story and Pakistan needs more such good stories. “Nuclear power plants (NPPs) keep running for 70 to 80 years, which makes them a better option as compared to oil, gas, and coal powered plants. NPPs run with over 80% of the efficiency and capacity factor. These NPPs keep running for 18 months without a break after every fuel load, which ensures energy security for the country,” Mr. Khaqan said. He closed his speech saying that by introducing a synergistic approach to energy planning, depth and substance in transformation and well-regulated market solutions, Pakistan can succeed in overcoming its energy woes.

The core session of the seminar was opened and chaired by Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah retd), Executive Director CISSS. He said, “Pakistan embarked upon peaceful uses of the nuclear technology about six decades ago. Pakistan is operating its NPPs under International Atomic Energy Agency’s safeguards and have a well-recognized record of safety and security in running its civil nuclear facilities.” Afterwards, Mr. Waqar Ahmed Malik, former MD Fauji Foundation, shared his views on nuclear energy for industrial development in Pakistan.