Syed Samiullah
The basic nature of our universe is an amazing interaction of matter and energy, which supports all existence and movement. Before exploring the details of my topic, “The Role of Nuclear Energy in Fostering Regional Economic Cooperation: Ethical Considerations and Governance within the Regional Context,” it’s important to consider this key fact.
Energy is the lifeblood of the universe, bringing life to what would otherwise be lifeless matter. Since the start of the industrial age, the vital role of energy in driving development has been inescapable. For any nation aiming for sustainable progress, achieving self-sufficiency in energy production is not just a goal but a fundamental need.
Given the inevitability of energy in our lives, the next crucial question is: how should we produce it? There are numerous sources, including coal, natural gas, crude oil, sunlight, and nuclear materials. However, when asked why nuclear energy should be preferred over fossil fuels, the answer is clear and compelling: nuclear energy is reliable, clean, and safe.
In terms of reliability, nuclear energy stands unrivaled. A nuclear power plant operates at maximum power for over 92% of the year, nearly twice as much as natural gas and coal units, and almost three times more reliable than wind and solar plants. This consistency is paramount in ensuring a stable energy supply.
Apart from reliability, Nuclear energy is a clean and safe power source because it generates power through fission, I mean splitting uranium atoms to produce energy. The heat released by fission is used to create steam that spins a turbine to generate electricity without emitting harmful byproducts, unlike fossil fuels. For example, For example, a 1,000-megawatt coal power plant releases nearly 6 million tons of carbon annually, polluting the environment and endangering life on our planet.
Additionally, nuclear energy requires significantly less land than any other clean energy source. A typical 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant occupies just over 1 square mile, compared to wind farms needing 360 times more space, and solar plants requiring 75 times more area for the same output.
Nuclear power also generates minimal waste due to the high density of nuclear fuel, which is about 1 million times greater than traditional energy sources. For instance, all the used nuclear fuel from the U.S. over the past 60 years could be dumped on a football field less than 10 yards deep.
The U.S. has about 92 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 94,765 MW, far surpassing Pakistan’s 3,620 MW. Moreover, nuclear waste can be reprocessed and recycled, and advanced reactor designs are being developed to use spent fuel, further minimizing waste and enhancing sustainability. Now looking into its role in fostering regional economic cooperation, the rapid advancement of nuclear energy technology is of significant importance. Especially, for Pakistan and its neighboring countries, nuclear energy presents a unique opportunity to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote economic diversification.
In the realm of enhanced energy security, nuclear energy can play a critical role by providing a reliable and stable power source. This is particularly important for countries like Pakistan, which face energy shortages and rely heavily on expensive and environmentally hazardous imported fossil fuels.
These countries through cooperation can diversify their energy mix with nuclear power, reducing vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations and enhancing energy independence.
In terms of economic diversification, energy is undoubtedly one of the most important drivers of economic growth. Currently, only in Pakistan over thirty million people i.e. 15% of the total population, do not have access to electricity, which ultimately limits their potential for inclusive growth.
The creation of nuclear energy infrastructure has the potential to promote economic progress in various ways. It can stimulate job creation, encourage technical innovation, attract foreign investment, launch joint research and development projects, and strengthen market sustainability. Investing in nuclear energy allows developing nations to minimize reliance on traditional sectors, reinforcing economic resilience and developing a more diverse and robust economic structure.
However, the adoption of nuclear energy also brings forth a range of ethical and governance challenges that need to be taken care of to ensure that its benefits are maximized and its risks minimized. Prominent challenges include the risks of accidents, nuclear waste management, and potential risks to public health.
The risks of accidents encompass the possibility of nuclear reactor malfunctions or disasters, which can have catastrophic consequences for both human life and the environment. Addressing this challenge requires stringent adherence to safety protocols and regulations set forth by international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Compliance with IAEA guidelines ensures that nuclear facilities are constructed, operated, and maintained with the highest standards of safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Nuclear waste management presents another significant challenge. Proper disposal and containment of radioactive waste are essential to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.
The IAEA provides directions on the safe handling and disposal of nuclear waste, including recommendations for long-term storage solutions and monitoring techniques. By following these directives, countries can effectively manage their nuclear waste and mitigate the associated risks.
Additionally, it is essential to recognize the potential public health risks associated with radiation exposure. To address these concerns, robust regulatory frameworks guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are vital. These frameworks should include strict radiation protection measures for nuclear facility workers and comprehensive protocols for monitoring and responding to radiation incidents. By prioritizing public health and adhering to international standards, we can ensure that the benefits of nuclear energy significantly outweigh its risks.
Notably, the absence of major disasters in nuclear facilities worldwide highlights the critical role of stringent safety protocols, regulatory oversight, and international collaboration. Emphasizing safety, security, and environmental protection allows nations to reap the benefits of nuclear energy while minimizing risks. Robust governance frameworks are essential to address the ethical and practical challenges of nuclear energy development. These frameworks, recommended by the IAEA, should include comprehensive regulations, oversight mechanisms, and international cooperation to ensure safe and responsible nuclear operations.
In Pakistan, the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has been managing the country’s nuclear regulatory infrastructure since 1965. This organization ensures the safe operation of nuclear facilities, protects workers, the public, and the environment from radiation hazards, and fosters transparency and trust.
The effectiveness of PNRA’s regulation is evident in the international recognition and improvements highlighted in the NTI (Nuclear Threat Index) reports. Notably, in the 2023 NTI report, Pakistan ranked higher than India and some other countries, showcasing its commitment to nuclear safety.
Well, to summarize, the development of nuclear energy has considerable promise for enhancing regional economic cooperation, strengthening energy security, and encouraging economic diversity. As a result, encouraging information interchange, joint investments, and collaborative research and development may help to strengthen regional cooperation.
Working together, countries may combine their knowledge and resources to confront similar difficulties and accomplish common goals.
However, the ethical and governance concerns must be addressed carefully. By developing robust governance systems and resolving ethical problems, as Pakistan has done since the program’s beginning, neighboring nations and the entire region can guarantee that nuclear energy encourages a cooperative and stable environment. Ultimately, this will benefit all involved parties.
(Note: This is a summary of the paper, presented by Syed Samiullah at the National Conference organized by RFI and ASCE. Syed Samiullah is Head of the Research Department at RFI and The Associate Editor of Monthly Interaction.
