'Nuclear power key to fuel price fluctuations'

Experts stress usage of nuclear power to address energy shortages, climate change

ISLAMABAD:

Energy experts advocate that nuclear power is both safe and efficient, positioning it as a viable solution for Pakistan to mitigate the chronic issues associated with fuel price fluctuations, which are prevalent in other energy sources.

The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) in Islamabad recently hosted a one-day international seminar titled "Pakistan's Energy Crisis: The Role of Nuclear Power." The seminar aimed to raise awareness about the significance of nuclear energy in Pakistan's socioeconomic development and mitigating climate change.

In his keynote address, Dr Khaqan Najeeb stressed the urgent need to reorganise the country's energy architecture by eliminating the slab-based tariff system and incentivising electricity usage. He highlighted that Pakistan is currently facing reduced demand for electricity in both industrial and domestic sectors, despite a generation capacity exceeding 45,000 MW. Najeeb highlighted the importance of dynamic modelling in the energy sector, asserting that the narrative of nuclear energy is compelling because plants operate for 60 to 80 years, with the added benefit of energy security, as they can load fuel for 14 to 18 months at a time, thus avoiding price fluctuations.

Former Chairman of NEPRA, Tauseef H Farooqi, stated that the primary criterion for selecting energy sources should be affordability, reliability, and sustainability—qualities that nuclear power fulfils.

In his online address Dr Henri Paillere, Head of Planning and Financing Studies at the IAEA, quoted the IEA, saying, "Without nuclear, it is very hard to reach our targets for emission reductions and carbon-free energy."