THIS is with reference to the article ‘No lessons learned’ (Sep 7), which suggested that nuclear power plants are unnecessary additions to the national energy landscape as they are not the least-cost technology or fuel option. Two critical points need due consideration.

First, the average cost of nuclear power generation in 2023 stood at Rs12.5 per kWh — significantly lower than fossil-fuel-based and renewable energy cost in Pakistan.

In comparison, coal-based power gene-ration costs Rs35.6 per kWh, and solar power costs Rs28.7 per kWh, according to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) compilation of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) data. However, since nuclear power contributes only nine per cent to the national grid, its impact on electricity tariffs and monthly bills has been minimal.

Second, nuclear power is globally reco-gnised as one of the most resilient, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy sources. Over 30 countries are emerging as nuclear energy nations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already commissioned its first nuclear power plant, the Barakah power station, while Bangladesh, Egypt and Turkiye have begun constructing their first nuclear power plants.

Nuclear power has been a key part of Pakistan’s energy mix for nearly three decades. The Chashma-V nuclear power project, for example, was included in Pakistan’s Energy Security Plan (2005-30) launched in 2005, with an agreement for its construction signed with China in November 2017.

Initially, Chashma-V was proposed to have an installed capacity of 340MWe, similar to Chashma-IV. However, this was later increased to 1,000MWe, and eventually to 1,170MWe, in order to enhance output, safety and security. The project will use China’s advanced Hualong One technology (HPR-1000), which is a very well-proven and reliable system.

Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024