Nuclear power programme in Pakistan

The Nuclear power programme in Pakistan started with the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, also known as KANUPP, inaugurated November 28, 1972. Pakistan is the first Muslim majority country in the world to construct and operate civil nuclear power plants.[1]

A commercial nuclear power plant

Nuclear Power Programme 2050

The Nuclear Power Programme 2050 is the official nuclear energy policy of the Government of Pakistan to make usage of nuclear power to meet the existing electricity crises and to respond to the future requirements of a growing population and national economy.[2][3] The program is envisaged to increase energy production from nuclear sources by the year of 2050.[4][5] As part of the energy security strategy, the enactment of the program is aim to expand the self-sustaining nuclear power infrastructure all over the country by year 2050.[6] It came in a strong response to U.S-India nuclear deal, as well as to counter the existing energy shortfalls and future requirements of a growing population and national economy.[6] The primary focus of this program is to promote scientific and socio-economic development of the people as a "foremost priority."[6]

The policy was first stated by the former Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani during the meeting of Nuclear Command Authority; at this meeting, the program was approved by Prime minister Gillani on 14 July 2011.[2] This includes to regulate the nuclear facilities, waste storage, along with an increase in power plant building. Both legislative, military and bureaucratic regulations of nuclear energy in Pakistan have been shaped by the scientific research and the public opinion.[2] The governmental nuclear regulatory authorities in Pakistan has projected to produce 4345 MW electricity from nuclear sources in 2022; and 8800 MW electricity by 2030.[7]

References

1. Nuclear power in Pakistan, Dr. Zia H. Siddiqui and Dr. I.H. Qureshi, pp.31–33.
2. Government of Pakistan, Prime minister Secretariat (14 July 2011). "Opening Remarks by the Prime Minister at the National Command Authority" (google docs). Pakistan Nuclear Command. Government of Pakistan. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
3. Raza Bashir Tarar, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council Meeting under Agenda Item Maintenance of International Peace and Security. "Official Policy". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (GOvernment of Pakistan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
4. Staff (27 March 2012). "Civil nuclear technology: Pakistan wants end to 'discrimination'". Pakistan Tribune. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
5. Khan, Zia (July 15, 2011). "Pakistan wants to join Nuclear Suppliers Group". Tribune Express. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
6. News Desk (July 14, 2011). "NCA okays Nuclear Power Prog 2050, Space Prog 2040". Geo News. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
7. Syed Yousaf, Raza (July 31, 2012). "Current Picture of Electrical Energy In Pakistan". Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. Directorate-General for Nuclear Power Generation. Retrieved 28 November 2012.