By Mirza Kashif Baig
Pakistan achieved nuclear power status almost 25 years ago, and its nuclear program is firmly committed to the safe and secure utilization of nuclear energy, with a strong emphasis on its peaceful applications to address various socio-economic challenges. Foremost among these challenges is the country’s energy requirements, which have become a major concern for Pakistan.
The demand and supply deficit in this regard is quite significant, leading Pakistan to make substantial investments in the production of clean energy through civil nuclear power plants. Given Pakistan’s increasing environmental changes and its vulnerability to global warming, the prioritization of clean energy is of paramount importance.
Karachi became the first Pakistani city to benefit from nuclear energy when the 135 MW KANUPP was connected to the grid on October 4, 1972. Now, KANUPP-2 &3 (K-2 & K-3), the third-generation nuclear power plants, are poised to supply 2200 MW of power to the national grid in May 2021 and March 2022, respectively. These plants represent some of the most advanced and sophisticated nuclear facilities, equipped with additional safety and security measures.
During their development, K-2 faced negative propaganda from certain quarters, citing a number of concerns, including:
1. Proximity to the city of Karachi
2. Being a port city, concerns similar to those seen at the Fukushima nuclear plant, particularly with respect to a potential tsunami, causing radiation leaks
3. Apprehensions regarding the absence of adequate evacuation plans in the event of such a crisis.
In the case of the K-2 and K-3 nuclear power plants, all these concerns have been addressed, and various precautions are in place. Rabita Forum International organized a seminar on March 1, 2014, to address these concerns.
With unanimous consent from academia and city intellectuals, it was declared that the K-2 power plant poses no threat to the city. The power plant has been constructed at an elevation that can withstand 12-meter tsunami waves, and even if the waves are higher, its automatic safety system ensures a 0% radiation leak by shutting down the power plant.
Rabita Forum International organized another seminar on March 10, 2015, to further address these concerns. Dr. Mashiatullah, an expert scientist from PINSTECH, provided ample evidence to support that K-2 poses no threat to the city. The seminar had the presence of Mr. Naeem Ahmed Mughal (DG SEPA) and Prof. Dr. Waqar Ahmed from the Department of Environment at Karachi University.
Rabita Forum International organized a third seminar on June 4, 2015, to address all concerns related to the impact on sea life caused by the construction of this power plant. Dr. Mashiatullah from PINSTECH, Prof. Dr. Umm-E-Hani from the Department of Maritime at Karachi University, and Dr. Jamal Ahmed Siddiqui, Head of the Department of Sea Life, along with Mr. Waqar Ahmed Palipoto (Deputy DG SEPA), all endorsed that K-2 poses no threat to sea life.
On December 24, 2017, educators, journalists, and students from Karachi visited KANNUP-I, KANNUP-II, and KANNUP-III. They were satisfied with the progress after witnessing the construction process.
Why Chinese nuclear power plant?
Pakistan has sought Chinese assistance at various stages in the process of importing and establishing power plants. This decision has been driven by the following reasons:
1. China is a reliable, all-season friend.
2. China is the sole country actively aiding Pakistan in the development of civil nuclear reactors, in compliance with international standards, including those set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
3. Chinese power plants are equipped with some of the most robust safety measures.
4. Pakistan had the option to choose between state-of-the-art nuclear power plants and outdated conventional power plants, and it wisely opted for the former.
5. These power plants underwent initial testing in China, and following successful results, they were deployed in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s civil nuclear power plants and their contribution to the national grid are as follows:
Energy policy
The energy sector, to a large extent, has been owned and operated by the Government of Pakistan (GoP). During the last two decades, the GoP has formulated various policies and programs to reform the energy sector. In addition to improving the efficiency of public sector institutions, policies have been made to increase private sector participation in the development of the energy sector.
A legal and institutional framework has been established for the restructuring of energy sector entities owned by the public sector and to create a market in which private companies can operate under regulatory authorities to provide energy/electricity on a competitive basis.
The Government of Pakistan formulated the Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF) 2005-10, which translates the vision of long-term (2005-30) sustainable development into a mix of actions and policies to determine the role of the public sector in the development process and to facilitate the private sector in playing its role.
The Framework identifies issues in the energy sector to design strategies for development and policies for their implementation. The aim of the current energy policy is to ensure a sustainable supply of energy to all sectors of the economy at a competitive price through the development of indigenous energy resources (coal, hydro, nuclear, and renewables) and a reduction in energy import dependence.
Peaceful uses of nuclear technology
Broad areas in which nuclear energy contributes to Pakistan’s socio-economic uplift are as follows:
1. Power generation:
As discussed in detail, nuclear energy serves as an efficient source of power generation. It is a clean source of energy, unlike fossil fuels, and the production capacity of a nuclear power plant is significantly higher when compared to other forms of clean energy sources.
2. Developing high-yield stress-tolerant crops:
Pakistan has established four agricultural centers that use energy to optimize important crop varieties, develop better methods for input and product conservation, and maximize the use of innovative technologies. More than 89 new high-yielding, stress-tolerant crop varieties have been created.
We have saline agriculture technology for the economic utilization of salt-affected lands and have developed a low-cost Laser Land Leveler that enables efficient irrigation. Additionally, we’ve developed integrated pest management and the sterile insect technique.
3. Cancer treatment:
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of cancer, especially among women. The PAEC has established 19 hospitals throughout Pakistan that offer cancer treatment to approximately 0.8 million patients annually. These services are intended to expand further.
4. Design and fabrication of industrial plants and equipment:
The Heavy Mechanical Complex-3 (HMC-3) in Taxila is one of the leading organizations in Pakistan’s engineering sector. Its ultimate goal is self-reliance, indigenization, import substitution, and providing technical support to the industrial sector in the country. NMC-3 distinguishes itself with sophisticated, hi-tech, and precise manufacturing.
The main aim of NMC-3 is to enhance the design, manufacturing, inspection, and testing capabilities to produce hi-tech equipment, parts, and components for upcoming hydel, thermal, nuclear power plants, and alternate energy projects. It also meets the needs of other organizations in the country working in the oil and gas, energy, and industrial sectors.
HMC-3 boasts state-of-the-art facilities for fabrication, forging, welding, machining, testing, and heat treatment. It is the first engineering establishment certified by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) to produce Nuclear Safety Class 1, 2, and 3 equipment and components in Pakistan.
S N PROJECT NAME CONTRIBUTION STATUS
/CAPACITY
1. KANNUP-2 1100 MW Complete
2. K3 1100 MW Complete
3. CHASHMA-V 1200 MW Under
Construction
4. CHASHMA-I 330 MW Complete
5. CHASHMA-II 335 MW Complete
6. CHASHMA-III 335 MW Complete
7. CHASHMA-IV 340 MW Complete
6. Human resource development:
Pakistan has made extensive investments in developing indigenous capabilities and human resources to sustain its civil nuclear program. State-of-the-art training facilities and institutions have been established to provide high-level education to scientists and engineers, who form the backbone of our nuclear program.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Pakistan remains devoted to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and is committed to the safety and security of its nuclear program. Pakistan’s commitment to its environmental goals is evident through its investments in clean projects such as K-2 and K-3, as well as CHASHMA 1 to 5.
The author is Editor at Monthly Interaction.