ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) plans more nuclear power plants as the country needs to end its dependence on oil, gas and other means of energy sources that produce 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide per year damaging environment.

This was stated by PAEC Chairman Pervez Butt while opening a week-long "IAEA/PAEC national workshop on enhancing capability of utility and regulatory body to communicate with public and media."

With the passage of time, nations have acknowledged that nuclear energy is clean. The advantages of excelling in the nuclear energy field are limitless. France utilises 75 per cent of nuclear power to generate electricity, Japan 45 per cent, the US 20 per cent while Pakistan uses only 1 per cent," he added.

Mr Butt said in the face of global warming caused by greenhouse gases coming from conventional power production modes, nuclear was the future energy. It can be witnessed in the shape of its resurgence world wide where it has a vital role to play because of its inherent virtues in the areas of safety, cost competitiveness, reliability, abundance of availability and its environment-friendly nature, the PAEC chief maintained.

He said nuclear power being a promoter of hi-technology augured well for overall development of the country and, "we look forward to its increasing contribution to the national grid."

Pakistan has taken significant steps towards strengthening the safety of nuclear power operation which included creation of an independent Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), signing of the IAEA, CANDU Owners Group (COG), World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and others.

"We are responsible for internal safety standards and outside safety guidelines and requirements. Our nuclear power plants are under international safeguards."

He said the PAEC had valuable operating expertise coupled with acquisition of capability in design quality control techniques and fabrication of major parts of nuclear power plants.

"Based on this indigenous strength, we plan to build many more nuclear power plants to contribute significantly to the national requirements in the wake of accelerated development of the country."

Mr Butt appreciated the role of media in strengthening the commission's efforts to enhance safety culture. Our interaction with the media, both in routine and emergency situations, is based on truth, honesty and facts. Apart from the media, we communicate directly with the public in many forms and methods, he added.

IAEA expert Miroslav Lipar said the nuclear watchdog would continue to providing all available support to Pakistan. This fact is evident from the holding of this workshop by the IAEA aimed at development of communications skills for nuclear safety and related areas.

Dr Syed Arif Ahmad, Director of Safety at the PAEC, said compared to other modes of electricity generation, nuclear power was the safest option as per statistics. There is a robust mechanism within the PAEC to promote safety of its operation as per national and international norms and obligations.