Daily Times

The emission of greenhouse gases has reduced to near half due to the popularity in the use of nuclear power. Nuclear energy by far has the lowest impact on the environment since it does not release any gases like carbon dioxide, methane, which are largely responsible for the greenhouse effect. There is no adverse effect on water, land or any habitats.

Unlike renewable sources of energy like solar and wind that require sun or wind to produce electricity, nuclear energy can be produced from nuclear power plants even in rough weather conditions. They can produce power 24/7 and need to be shut down only for maintenance purposes.

Production of nuclear energy needs very little amount of raw material. Only about 28 grams of uranium releases as much energy as produced from 100 metric tons of coal. Since it is required in small quantities, transportation of fuel is much easier than fossil fuels. Optimal utilisation of natural resources in production of energy should be a natural choice for any nation, especially the ones that are short on fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is not only environmentally friendly but also offers inexpensive long-term alternative to other sources of energy. This huge repository of energy carries immense potential to boost the socio-economic conditions of states that are struggling to give a fillip to their economy.

Technological advancements have made nuclear energy a more viable option than others. For instance, modular reactors of around 60 MWe output do not need to be placed near a water source for cooling. Modular reactors are buried underground and cannot be affected by Fukushima-type disasters.

The cost of uranium, which is used as a fuel in generating electricity, is quite low. Also, set up costs of nuclear power plants are relatively high while running cost is low. The average life of a nuclear reactor ranges from 40-60 years depending upon its usage. These factors, when combined, make the cost of producing electricity very low. Even if the cost of uranium fuel rises, the increase in the cost of electricity will be much lower.

There are certain economic advantages in setting up nuclear power plants and using nuclear energy in place of conventional energy. It can be one of the major sources of electricity throughout the nation and is in continuous supply. It is widely available, has huge reserves and expected to last for another 100 years while coal, oil and natural gas are limited and are expected to be depleted soon.

Energy is linked with economic prospects and the energy security comprised of availability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability. Nuclear power enhances energy security and it helps to preserve the natural environment. Pakistan has a nuclear power programme, with 725 MWe capacity but it plans to increase this substantially. Pakistan is an energy-deficient country, and thus need a non-discriminatory, criteria-based approach to access nuclear technology. Pakistan must be given equal rights and responsibilities in this regard, as its experience in the nuclear power programme provided an auspicious environment to further develop nuclear power generation capacity.

Energy security, the ability of a nation to secure sustainable energy supplies to meet its energy needs at reasonable prices, has become a major energy policy imperative. If India can be accommodated in the nuclear energy market despite not agreeing to accede to the non-proliferation treaty, and given a waiver to trade by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Pakistan should not be an exception.

There is still lack of consensus in regard to multilateral nuclear approaches. However, Pakistan is ready to participate as a supplier state in any future multilateral arrangement based on non-discriminatory approach.

The writer is a freelance columnist