Pakistan’s pursuit of nuclear energy is essential to its future

Pakistan’s civilian nuclear industry is undergoing a steady expansion and up-gradation driven by energy security, socio-economic development imperatives, and its UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Though it is not indigenously developing next-generation fission and fusion reactors, it is enlarging its nuclear power production infrastructure with the assistance of China under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

Today, nuclear energy is not just a solution but a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. Its approval at COP29, the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the endorsement of a declaration by 31 countries to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 are clear signs of its potential. This potential should inspire optimism, as it shows that even tripling the world’s nuclear power output, while a herculean undertaking, is within our reach. Despite the complications, technologically advanced and scientifically backward nations have pursued nuclear energy technology to advance their industrial growth and economic prosperity.

Emerging Asian economies, including Pakistan, have been approaching nuclear reactor manufacturing nations to purchase materials and transfer technology for the peaceful application of nuclear energy. The UN is also encouraging and facilitating the development of the nuclear power industry for the prosperity of less developed nations. On October 29, 2007, during the 62nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution appealing to Member States to continue to support the IAEA’s indispensable role in ‘encouraging and assisting the development and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses’ was adopted.

Tripling the world’s nuclear power output, while a herculean undertaking, is within Pakistan’s reach. 

Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal

Nuclear energy is an essential component and cornerstone of Pakistan’s energy mix plan. As a nuclear-armed state, it possesses the necessary human resources and expertise to ensure the safety and security of nuclear power plants. The planned construction of new nuclear power plants with the assistance of nuclear supplier states further solidifies Pakistan’s commitment to its energy security.

Since the dawn of the 21st century, the government has strived to increase nuclear power generation despite denying Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) nuclear technology and materials. In 2005, it mandated that the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) install 8,800 MW of nuclear power capacity by 2030. In 2014, the government announced that under the Nuclear Energy Vision 2050, an official development plan, nuclear power generated up to 40,000 megawatts of electricity. Nevertheless, there are various pitfalls and roadblocks to realizing the vision of nuclear energy. One of the main obstacles is the discriminatory policy of NSG toward Pakistan.

Pakistan operates six nuclear power reactors— two at Karachi and four at the Chashma nuclear power plant near Mianwali in Punjab, 250 km south of Islamabad. These plants contribute over 3,530MW (17 percent of the country’s electricity) to the national grid, a testament to the country’s progress in nuclear energy. The recent start of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5) construction with $3.7 billion of China’s aid is another milestone to add 1,200 MW of clean energy to the national grid by 2030. The progress in nuclear energy strengthens Pakistan’s energy mix and reduces its reliance on imported fuels, painting a promising picture of the country’s future.

As a founding member of IAEA, Pakistan closely works with the agency, which assisted the country’s nuclear power generation, industrial development, health care, and agricultural advancements. Last month, the IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Pakistan to further cooperation between the IAEA and Pakistan. 

The Fukushima (Japan) nuclear reactor accident on March 11, 2011, did not entirely discredit nuclear energy. However, it has cautioned nations about the repercussions of nuclear power plant accidents. Therefore, Pakistan is taking maximum care of civilian nuclear facilities’ safety, security, and safeguards, especially nuclear power plants. After the inauguration of a radioactive waste incinerator at Chashma on February 13, IAEA’s Grossi said Pakistan’s nuclear power program was one of the most successful in the world.

Pakistan’s pursuit of nuclear energy enables a possible future where the country has the energy it needs to achieve high living standards, good health, a clean environment, and a sustainable economy. 

- Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal is an Islamabad-based analyst and professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University. E-mail: [email protected], X: @zafar_jaspal