A severe energy crisis has been affecting Pakistan for several years due to insufficient electricity supply and increased energy demand. Most of the nation’s energy needs are met by expensive and environmentally harmful non-renewable resources such as oil and gas. The country’s social and economic development has also been negatively affected by the energy crisis. Pakistan has implemented several measures in recent years to address the energy crisis and move towards renewable energy sources. Wind, solar and hydroelectric plants are just some of the renewable energy initiatives carried out by the Government. These projects have contributed to these goals by reducing the country’s dependence on non-renewable resources and diversifying the country’s energy mix.
Similarly, Pakistan is looking for alternative energy sources and nuclear power has emerged as a potential remedy. Nuclear power plants, however, have the ability to generate a significant amount of electricity at low cost and with few greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, Pakistan’s energy mix now includes nuclear power as a major component. Pakistan had six nuclear power plants that were operational by 2022. Being able to produce a lot of electricity at low cost is one of the key benefits of nuclear power. Pakistan’s operating nuclear power plants have helped the nation diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, by boosting local industries and creating job opportunities, nuclear power plants have contributed significantly to the economic growth of the areas where they are located.
Also, the main benefit of nuclear power is its ability to produce a lot of electricity at a reasonable price. Continuous operation makes nuclear power plants a reliable source of electricity. The disadvantages of nuclear power, however, include problems with waste management, safety and high initial costs. Therefore, the safety of nuclear power plants is of great concern and any breach of safety procedures could have disastrous effects. Nuclear waste must also be properly managed because it is highly radioactive and must be disposed of safely. Whereas, natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water and geothermal heat are used to create non-polluting renewable energy sources. The sustainability and low environmental impact of renewable energy sources are their main advantages. These sources do not produce hazardous waste or release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Also, as traditional energy sources become more expensive comparable to renewable energy sources, a wider range of consumers and states can now access renewable energy. Despite this, nuclear power has come to light in Pakistan as a potential solution to the state’s energy crisis. Pakistan’s energy mix has diversified and its dependence on fossil fuels has decreased as a result of operating nuclear power plants. However, the government of Pakistan has set a target for the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to account for 60% of the nation’s total energy mix by 2030 For Pakistan to have a sustainable energy future, it is essential to develop both nuclear power and renewable energy sources. Therefore, the future changes related to energy in Pakistan are expected to be significant. The government must put in place measures to promote the growth of renewable energy, such as feed-in tariffs and net metering, to achieve this goal.
At the same time, the reliability and stability of nuclear power are two of its most important benefits. Unlike renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which depend on the weather, nuclear power plants can operate at full capacity for extended periods of time, ensuring a constant supply of electricity. In addition to emitting fewer greenhouse gases and being more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, nuclear energy is a desirable option to stop climate change.
However, there are also many important problems with nuclear power, such as the risks associated with proliferation, waste management, and safety issues. Complex machines like nuclear power plants need highly trained operators and cutting-edge technology to operate safely. As the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents demonstrate, a malfunction can have disastrous effects. There are serious security issues due to Pakistan’s outdated electrical infrastructure and shortage of trained personnel.
Similarly, another major concern for nuclear power is the safe disposal of nuclear waste. Because they are highly radioactive, nuclear waste is dangerous to the health of living beings. The government has taken steps to address the issues, including investing in nuclear safety, establishing a nuclear regulatory authority and creating a national strategy for radioactive waste disposal. Pakistan has also ratified international treaties and agreements on nuclear safety, non-proliferation and security as a symbol of its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
