CSS Current Affairs | Benefits and Challenges of Transitioning to a Nuclear Energy-Based Power Generation
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Maryam Aqsa under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- What challenges does Pakistan face in transitioning to nuclear energy-based power generation?
- ✓Financial constraints
- Evidence: The Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (CHASNUPP) faced significant delays and cost overruns due to financing issues.
- ✓Technological and infrastructure challenges
- Evidence: The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) required significant upgrades to its cooling systems and other infrastructure to meet safety and efficiency standards.
- ✓ Public perception and safety concerns
- Evidence: After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, public opposition to nuclear energy in Pakistan increased.
- ✓Geopolitical and security issues
- Evidence: Chashma Nuclear Power Plant is located in a region that necessitates high security due to its proximity to conflict zones.
3- What pragmatic measures to control to transition in nuclear energy-based power generation
- ✓To develop innovative financing mechanisms
- ✓To invest in modernization and capacity building
- ✓To enhance communication and safety protocols
- ✓To strengthen Security and Diplomatic Measures
4- What benefits have Pakistan to transition in nuclear energy-based power generation
- ✓Promoting energy security
- ✓Decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emission
- ✓Enhancing economic growth
5- Some successful projects in another country as compare to Pakistan
- ✓Nuclear program in India
- ✓Nuclear program in France
- ✓Nuclear program in China
6- Critical Analysis
7- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
No Pakistani can deny the fact of the energy crisis. Many factories have shifted to other countries, industries have shut down completely, and agricultural losses are significant. However, Pakistan believes that sharing peaceful nuclear technology can overcome food shortages by improving the agricultural and industrial sectors. By using coal, Pakistan is insufficient to complete the demand for electricity; clean and green energy can mitigate the intensity of greenhouse gases, open new doors to jobs, and promote energy security. Nevertheless, Pakistan plans to move totally toward nuclear energy-based power generation as a developed country. Unfortunately, the steps of this transmission have many obstacles to completing the project, such as Financial issues, technological and infrastructure challenges, and public mistrust of the project. According to the report of the World Economic Forum’s- Fostering Effective Energy Transition, “ The energy transition index ( ETI) from 2014- 2023, Pakistan holds the 107th position out of 120 countries with a 46.9 ETI score.” Therefore, taking sagacious steps to solve the issue and help to transition to nuclear energy-based generation in Pakistan.
What challenges does Pakistan face to transition in nuclear energy-based power generation
Pakistan faces several significant challenges in transitioning to nuclear energy-based power generation:
- Financial Constraints
There is a substantial hurdle of securing finance for energy project. The country faces a significant gap in funding for green project. Due to this some nuclear energy project have faced hampers, such as, Chashma nuclear power plant is facing delays in initial phase due to financial crisis. Thus the nuclear plant is a huge challenges by fluctuating exchange rates and rising material costs.
- Technological and Infrastructure Challenges
Pakistan’s energy infrastructure needs to update mechanisms to meet the demands of modern energy generation, which includes nuclear power. The upgrading of transmission and distribution systems is essential to accommodate new power generation capacities. The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) required significant upgrades to its cooling systems and other infrastructure to meet safety and efficiency standards. These include replacing outdated components and enhancing the plant’s overall capacity to handle higher loads. These upgrades are necessary but expensive, highlighting the need for continuous investment in infrastructure.
- Public Perception and Safety Concerns
The public’s perception of nuclear energy is often negative due to safety concerns. It ensures robust safety measures and transparent communication, which is crucial to gaining public trust and support for nuclear projects. After the disaster of Fukushima- Japan, the opposition of public opinion to nuclear energy in Pakistan has increased. There is evidence during the expansion of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant that local communities and environmental groups have raised concerns about potential radioactive contamination and the adequacy of evacuation plans in case of an accident. Public protests and legal battles are delaying the project. Better public communication and safety assurances are needed.
- Geopolitical and Security Issues
The geopolitical location of South Asia is posing unique challenges for Pakistan. It ensures the security of nuclear facilities and addresses regional political tensions, which are critical for the safe and uninterrupted operation of nuclear power plants. Pakistan’s geopolitical situation requires stringent security measures for its nuclear facilities. For instance, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant is located in a region that requires high security due to its proximity to conflict zones. This involves substantial investments in physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness, complicating and increasing the costs of nuclear projects.
What pragmatic measures to control to transition in nuclear energy-based power generation
- To develop innovative financing mechanisms
Government should to collaborate with international nuclear companies to share costs and risks. Because of, the companies provides sovereign guarantees, making nuclear projects more attractive to investors. Furthermore, the country strictly use international aid to develop large scale nuclear project as the develop countries enjoy foreign aid and develop their infrastructure.
- To invest in modernization and capacity building
The government should invest in nuclear facilities to modernize and build capacity for the project. For example, the recycling method can be used to save nuclear elements that are harmful to living organisms. Moreover, The country needs to arrange training programs and build friendship relations with advanced countries. It helps to update the knowledge of technicians and engineers and also fills the technological gap in Pakistan.
- To enhance communication and safety protocols
The government should develop a long-term energy project that remains consistent across different administrations. This can build the confidence of investors and help gain public trust. Moreover, the country must organize a campaign to raise citizens’ awareness of the benefits of nuclear energy, which can easily solve domestic issues.
- To strengthen Security and Diplomatic Measures
Pakistan should strengthen diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries to ensure regional stability and secure nuclear incidents. Through the negotiations, the country can address the issues of nuclear generation and plan to solve these issues. Moreover, Pakistan must be invest to infrastructure to protect nuclear facilities. Thus, the country endeavor to take sagacious steps for saving their nuclear elements.
What benefits have Pakistan to transition in nuclear energy-based power generation
Transitioning to nuclear energy offers Pakistan several significant benefits:
- Promoting energy security
Nuclear energy can provide a stable and reliable supply of electricity. It reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Many projects can operate in the country for mitigating the shortage of energy. In nuclear power plants, such as: at Chashma and Karachi, can operate continuously for long periods, providing a consistent energy supply compared to the intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind. Thus, the promoting of energy security is beneficial to the country.
- Decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emission
By adopting nuclear power generation, Pakistan can mitigate its carbon footprint. Consequently, the emission of greenhouse gases is controlled. Through these steps, the country can alleviate the irregular behaviour of climate. Thus, the decreasing level of greenhouse gases saves the country from natural disasters.
- Enhancing economic growth
Developing the nuclear energy sector can stimulate economic growth and create high-skilled jobs. These steps help to mitigate the brain drain system, increasing job opportunities for skilled labour, expert engineers, and innovative scientists. These processes can boost local economies and create employment opportunities.
Compare Pakistan’s nuclear energy program as a success or failure with other countries.
- Nuclear program in India
India has a more extensive nuclear energy program with greater international support and technological access. Currently, India uses thorium-based energy protection. These sagacious steps in India help to recycle Uranium 239, which will save biodiversity from synthetic waste products. Thus, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver granted to India has allowed it to engage in significant international nuclear trade, which Pakistan has not received despite its commendable safety record.
- Nuclear program in China
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear power capacity and technology. Its close collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in building new reactors like K-2 and K-3, highlights its advanced capabilities and willingness to assist Pakistan. Thus, helping China with the nuclear project will change Pakistan’s energy system.
- Nuclear program in France
France is often cited as a success story in nuclear energy. Approximately 70% of its electricity comes from nuclear power. Unfortunately, Pakistan has faced many challenges in nuclear projects due to fiscal deficit, lack of infrastructure, and mistrust of public opinion. In the Green Future Index (2023) by MIT Technology Review, Pakistan is ranked 67th among 76 countries, dropping from its 55th position in 2022. The index evaluates the countries facing slow progress to complete the nuclear project.
Critical Analysis
Pakistan has been facing an energy crisis for several decades. It has used the coal mechanisms to produce electricity. After the agreement of CPEC, many projects have progressed in the country in many provinces, but due to fiscal deficit, improper infrastructure, and less awareness of the people have made compulsion to complete the project. Many developed countries have adopted the nuclear strategy to produce electricity. The sagacious step of these countries has purified their country of atmospheric impurities.
Conclusion
The transition to nuclear energy in Pakistan could provide significant benefits, including energy security, environmental gains, and economic opportunities. However, this transition also presents considerable challenges, particularly in terms of safety, cost, waste management, and regulatory requirements. Learning from the experiences of other countries can offer valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of a strong regulatory framework, public communication, and international cooperation. Balancing these factors will be crucial for Pakistan to harness the potential of nuclear energy effectively.
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