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PAKISTAN

(updated on Dec. 2006)

1.  ENERGY, ECONOMIC AND ELECTRICITY INFORMATION

1.1.  General Overview

Pakistan is situated in South Asia and it stretches over 1,600 kilometers from south-west to north east. It lies between 23° and 37° north latitude and 60° and 76° east longitude. The country is a land of diversified physical features, and six major physical regions can be identified as:

1. Northern Mountains;
2. The Western off-shoots of the Himalayas;
3. Baluchistan Plateau;
4. Potowar Plateau and the Salt Range;
5. Upper and Lower Indus Plains;
6. The Thar Desert
.

Pakistan has great diversity of climate. In the northern mountains and western off-shoots of the Himalayas the winters are extremely cold and mountains remain snow covered, while the summer temperatures reach up to 520C at some places in the Baluchistan Plateau and the Lower Indus Plains.

Rainfall at most of the places in Pakistan is scanty. Nearly three fourths of Pakistan receives average annual rainfall of less than 25 cm [Ref. 1]. Pakistan is on the margin of the monsoon climate and most of the rainfall is in the months of July, August and September. Within the Indus Basin, flooding is an annual occurrence, and some parts of the Sind province are dependent on flood irrigated agriculture.

On 1^st January 2006, the population of Pakistan was about 155.4 millions and the population density was 195.2 inhabitants per square kilometer (Table 1). At present, the population growth rate is about 1.9% per annum [Ref. 2].

TABLE 1. POPULATION INFORMATION

1.1.1.  Economic Indicators

During the last 46 years, Pakistan's economy has grown at an average annual rate of 8% (in current US$). However, due to high population growth rate, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased at only 5.1% per annum during the same period. The present per capita income in Pakistan is US$ 785. The historical GDP statistics are shown in Table 2 and some basic indicators are given in Table 3.

TABLE 2: GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT* (GDP)

TABLE 3. BASIC INDICATORS

1.1.2.  Energy Situation

Energy Resources

Energy Resources Pakistan’s commercially exploitable energy resources consist of coal, gas, oil and hydropower, and a large base of traditional fuels in the form of fuelwood, agricultural and animal wastes. Pakistan does not have adequate oil reserves (Table 4) and has to import large quantities of oil to meet its energy requirements. During 2004-2005, Pakistan spent about 27.6% of its export earnings on petroleum imports [Ref. 2].

TABLE 4. ENERGY RESERVES

Energy Supplies

The energy supplies statistics are given in Table 5. For the last ten years, the indigenous oil production has been at the level of about 54,000-66,000 barrels per day (equivalent to about 16-23% of the country's oil consumption). Pakistan's natural gas production in year 2004-2005 amounts to 3,685 million cubic feet per day. The incremental production from the fields under development and future gas discoveries is expected to enhance the supply.

Coal Production in 2004-2005 was only 4.6 million tonnes. The sectoral distribution of coal consumption is as follows: Brick kilns: 49.5%, Coke use: 16.1%, Cement and other industry: 32.1%, Power: 2.3%. The development of the coal mining industry in Pakistan, particularly for power generation is hampered by many constraints relating to the quality of coal, mining difficulties and organization problems.

During the year 2004-2005, hydropower provided 30.0% of electricity in Pakistan. Although, Pakistan has relatively high endowment of hydropower potential, only 6,494 MW (16%) has been exploited. Various mini/micro hydel projects are in construction or in planning phase and a number of medium and large size hydroelectric projects have been planned/proposed.

Two nuclear power plants operating in Pakistan contributed 2.8% to the total electricity generation in calendar year 2005. The first plant, KANUPP, completed its designed life of 30 years in December 2002 and was shutdown to carry out various jobs for extending its life by 15 years. After getting approval from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), KANUPP restarted on 22 January 2004. The plant was again shutdown on 12 December 2005 to carry out jobs required for plant relicensing. It has generated over 11.28 billion KWh of electricity upto 31 December 2005. The second nuclear power plant, CHASNUPP-1, was connected to the national grid on June 13, 2000, and has generated over 10.15 billion KWh of electricity upto 31 December 2005. Construction of the third nuclear unit (CHASNUPP-2) has started with first concrete pour on 28 December 2005. It is scheduled to be operational in 2011.

TABLE 5: ENERGY STATISTICS

1.2.  Energy Policy

Until 2000, energy sector, to a large extent, was owned and operated by the Government of Pakistan (GOP). During the last two decades, GOP formulated various policies and programs to reform the energy sector. Besides improving the efficiency of public sector institutions, policies were made to increase the private sector participation in the development of energy sector. For the electricity sector, the GOP encouraged setting up of private sector power projects on BOO (Build-Own-Operate) basis under 1986 policy, but the response was not very encouraging. The GOP announced comprehensive frameworks in 1994 and 1995 aimed at attracting private sector investments for the development of power sector.

Creation of competitive markets for energy/electricity is one of the major aims of all energy sector policies. The GOP has setup legal and institutional framework for re-structuring of energy sector entities owned by the public sector. The ultimate aim is creation of a market in which private companies will be working under the regulatory authorities to provide energy/electricity on competitive basis.

The competitive electricity market will be established in two stages:

• Single Buyer Plus (SBP) trading arrangement
• Competitive Trading Bi-lateral Contract Market (CTBCM) by July 2009 or latest by July 2012.

In view of the fact that competitive market will need sometime to evolve, the GOP announced its policy for power generation projects in 2002. This policy laid down a frame of work in which private and public sectors will work together to expand power generation capacity required in the near future. The objectives of the policy are:

• To provide sufficient capacity for power generation at the least cost, and to avoid capacity shortfalls;
• To encourage and ensure exploitation of indigenous resources, which include renewable energy resources, human resources, participation of local engineering and manufacturing capabilities;
• To ensure that all stakeholders are looked after in the process, i.e. a win-win situation for all; and
• To be attuned to safeguarding the environment.

Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) was given the job of solicitation of bids for hydel and indigenous fuel-based projects, for which feasibility studies are already available; and to initiate feasibility study work on raw sites for exploiting indigenous as well as renewable resource. As per 2002 policy, hydel projects in the private sector will be implemented on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis. Thermal projects will be established either on BOOT or Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis by the private sector. The basis for selection of the successful bidder in each case will be the minimum levelized tariff, either through International Competitive Bidding for solicited proposal or through negotiations.

Because, large-hydro power projects will remain the responsibility of WAPDA (a public utility), it prepared a hydro power development plan in 2000. This plan identifies additional power generation capacity that will be required till 2025, and hydro power projects that can be built.

1.3  The Electricity System

1.3.1.  Electricity Market

In 1997, an electricity act was passed to establish the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for regulating the provision of electric power services in a competitive market. NEPRA is responsible for grant of licenses to generation, transmission, and distribution companies. Until fully competitive market is emerged the authority will approve tariff rates and other terms and conditions for the supply of electric power services by the generation, transmission and distribution companies.

By the end of 2004 the Power Wing of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has been restructured to create the following fourteen corporate entities:

• Four Thermal Power Generation Companies (GENCOs)
• Nine Distribution Companies (DISCOs)
• One National Transmission and Power Dispatch Company (NTDC); it was established in December 2002 and was given exclusive right to transmit electricity 220 KV and above in whole country excluding area of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC).

Privatization of these generation and distribution companies is planned. The Privatization of Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Jamshoro Power Generation Company (JPCL) and Peshawar Electric Power Supply Company has been earmarked on priority basis. The residual WAPDA will only own the hydro assets and remains in the public sector. Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has already been privatized.

1.3.2.  Structure of the Electricity Sector

The followings are the major stake holders in the electricity sector.

• WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority)
  WAPDA has the following responsibilities:
   - Planning and execution of hydro electricity generation projects;
   - Execution of irrigation, water storage, and soil drainage schemes;
   - Prevention of water logging and carrying out reclamation of water logged and saline lands; Flood control.

• PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission)
  PAEC is responsible for:

• Nuclear Regulations on Radiation Protection,2004
   - Project planning and implementation;
   - Operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants;
   - PAEC owns two operating nuclear power plants and one under construction:
       •  KANUPP (Karachi Nuclear Power Plant), a 137 MWe PHWR, integrated in KESC network
       •  CHASNUPP (Chashma Nuclear Power Plant), a 325 MWe PWR connected to WAPDA grid since June 13, 2000.
   - CHASNUPP Unit-2, a 325 MWe PWR, under construction and connection to WAPDA grid is scheduled in March 2011

• KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Corporation)
   - KESC is a private limited company listed at Karachi Stock Exchange.
   - KESC is responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of power to the city of Karachi, Uthal in Sind, and Bela district in Balochistan

• IPPs (Independent Power Producers)
  Up till now private sector is involved in electricity generation only. The IPPs in operation as on 30th June 2004 are:
   - KAPCO (1466 MW)
   - HUBCO (1292 MW)
   - AES Pak Gen. (365 MW)
   - Gul Ahmad Energy (136 MW)
   - Kohinoor Energy (131 MW)
   - Tapal Energy (126 MW)
   - AES Lalpir (362 MW)
   - Japan Power (135 MW)
   - Southern Electric Power (117 MW)
   - Habibullah Coastal (129 MW)
   - Fauji Kabirwala (157 MW)
   - Rousch Pakistan (412 MW)
   - Saba Power (134 MW)
   - Uch Power (586 MW)
   - Liberty Power (235 MW)
   - Altern Energy (10 MW)

• Central Power Generation Company Ltd. (CPGCL)
• Northern Power Generation Company (NPGC)
• Jamshoro Power Company Ltd. (JPCL)
• Lakhra Power Generation Company Ltd. (LPGCL)
• National Transmission and Distribution Company (NTDC)

The NTDC is supposed to establish its four independent parts.

1. Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) for the procurement of power on behalf of the ex-WAPDA DISCOs,
2. "System Operator" to carryout the job of dispatching of plants and provision of balancing services,
3. "Transmission Network Operator" for the operation and maintenance of the transmission system including planning, design and capacity expansion of its transmission system, generation expansion, least-cost planning and sitting of new generation facilities,
4. Contract Registrar and Power Exchange Administrator (CRPEA) to look after bi-lateral trading contract of generation licensees with the Bulk Power Consumers (BPCs)/distribution companies.

• Distribution Companies
  Following are nine distribution companies:
  
  Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO)
  Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
  Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO)
  Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO)
  Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO)
  Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO)
  Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO)
  Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO)
  Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC)

Table 6 provides the installed electricity generating capacity and transmission voltages of WAPDA, generation companies and IPPs, while Figure 1 shows the installed generation capacity of the country by plant type (Hydro, thermal and nuclear).

Table 6: Installed Capacity of Electric Generation as on 30th June 2005

1.3.3.  Decision Making Process

The National Economic Council (NEC) is the supreme body responsible for ensuring balanced development of the country. It was created in December 1962 under Article 145 of the Constitution of Pakistan. NEC is headed by the Head of the Government. Its members include some of Federal Ministers, the Governors/Chief Ministers of the provinces, and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is the chief instrument for formulating the national plans.

The Energy Wing of the Planning Commission estimates the energy demand on the basis of information obtained from all concerned entities. It formulates unified short and long-term national energy plans.

Within the energy sector, the nuclear power area is handled by the PAEC, which also carries out energy studies and makes suggestions to the Energy Wing for the development of nuclear power to ensure an appropriate mix of resources for electricity generation. The Energy Wing forwards the suggestions to the NEC. The NEC has the overall control of planning and approves all plans and policies relating to electricity sector development, and makes the energy policy. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) supervises the implementation of energy policy laid down by the Government, and approves any energy sector project to be built by the public sector.

Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has been set up under the Ministry of Water and Power to assess, evaluate, and co-ordinate the private sector power generation projects.

1.3.4.  Main Indicators

Table 7 shows the historical electricity production and installed capacity in the country and Table 8 provides energy related ratios. Most parts of the country have severe winter and summer as a result, there is a vide variation in electricity demand during the year. Furthermore, higher share of household sector in total electricity demand makes the peak demand more pronounced. High share of hydro power in total supply results in seasonal variation in supply. These variations are further effected by the regulation on water out flow from the storage dam for irrigation. Until early 1990s, there was a wide gap between the maximum demand at peak hours and the installed capacity in certain months. The hydro capacity decreases to about 3,116 MW from installed capacity of 6,491 MW when the water level in the dams gets low.

Table 9 gives weighted average generation costs of electricity by producers. Table 10 gives power sector development plan for next twenty years prepared by Planning and Development Division of Government of Pakistan.

TABLE 7. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION AND INSTALLED CAPACITY

Table 8. Energy* Related Ratios

Table 9: Electricity Generation Costs in 2004-05

Table 10. Peak Demand (MWe) in the years 2010, 2020 and 2025

2.  NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION

2.1.  Historical Development and current nuclear power organizational structure

2.1.1.  Overview

Pakistan started construction of its first Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) in 1966 at Karachi and it was commissioned in 1971. The 137 MWe plant was constructed by the Canadian General Electric (CGE) under a turnkey contract. In 1976, Canada refused to supply fuel and spares for this plant due to nuclear non-proliferation concerns. Thereafter, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission undertook fuel fabrication on an emergency basis and has been producing locally made fuel since 1980.

Despite the keen interest of Pakistan in building additional nuclear power plants, it took more than two decades to start construction of the second nuclear power plant due to unfavourable international environment coupled with lack of indigenous technological and industrial capabilities for independent design and construction of nuclear power plant. The construction of Pakistan's second nuclear power plant started in 1992 with the help of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The plant was connected to the national grid on June 13, 2000. It has a gross capacity of 325 MWe and is located at Chashma, District Mianwali. The construction of third nuclear unit of 325 MWe capacity, with the help of CNNC has started from first concrete pour on 28 December 2005.

2.1.2.  Current Organizational Chart(s)

Figure 2 shows the Organizational Chart for the National Atomic Energy Authority of Pakistan. Established as Pakistan Atomic Energy Committee in 1955, the Ordinance for Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) was promulgated by the President of Pakistan on 27th May 1965 which was later approved by the National Assembly on 21st July, 1965. PAEC was established for the promotion of peaceful uses of atomic energy in the country. PAEC has a Chairman and six full-time working members and three part time members, appointed by the Government of Pakistan. PAEC reports to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Council consisting of 24 members. The head of the Council has always been the Executive Head of the GOP.

The functions of the PAEC includes nuclear research work, necessary for the promotion of peaceful uses of atomic energy in the fields of agriculture, medicine and industry and the execution of development projects including nuclear power stations for the generation of electric power. In the performance of its functioning, the Commission is guided by the instructions, if any, given to it by the GOP.

2.2.  Nuclear Power Plants: Status and Operations

At present, nuclear power provides about 2.8% of electricity generation in the country. This power is generated by a 137 MWe PHWR, KANUPP and 325 MWe, PWR CHASNUPP. The construction of another nuclear unit of 325 MWe capacity, at Chashma site, is in progress, for which the contract was signed with CNNC, China. Table 11 provides the status of nuclear power plants in the country. The first nuclear power plant of Pakistan (KANUPP) completed its nominal designed life of 30 years in 2002. After long-term planning with the IAEA and CANDU Operators Group (COG), PAEC has carried out a safety upgrading programme for KANUPP to operate the plant for further 15 years. Table 11 gives the major features of the NPP of Pakistan.

TABLE 11. STATUS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Source: PAEC

2.2.2.  Performance of NPPs

The Pakistan's first Nuclear Power Plant KANUPP is operating safely and has produced over 11.28 billion KWh of electricity upto 31st December 2005. The second Nuclear Power Plant CHASNUPP-1 is also operating safely and has produced over 10.15 billion KWh of electricity upto 31st December 2005. The capacity factor of CHASNUPP-1 improved to 82% in 2005. The Directorate of Nuclear Power Operations at PAEC HQ oversees the management and performance of NPPs. This directorate is making all efforts to further improve the performance by using technical information exchange and encouraging comparison and emulating performance of good performing NPPs.

2.2.3.  Plant Upgradation and Plant Life Management

A project "Improve Safety Features of KANUPP" is in progress under the auspices of the IAEA. This is an extension of the previous project "Safe Operation of KANUPP" (SOK) undertaken to ensure safe operation by averting plant degradation due to aging, introducing and adopting modern operational practices, and improving the design to some extent. Under a comprehensive Balancing, Modernization and Rehabilitation (BMR) project, KANUPP has upgraded its conventional equipment, such as Building Chillers, Service Air Compressors, Power Cables, Condenser Tubing, Boiler Cleaning and Rehabilitation etc. KANUPP also undertook the replacement of its obsolete regulating Computers, Control and Instrumentation under the Technological Up-gradation Project (TUP), under which most of the critical C&I loops and computers have been replaced. Work done under such projects gave KANUPP confidence that the plant could safely operate for 15 years beyond its design life.

2.3.  Supply of NPPs

Policy and Strategy

Pakistan aims at gradual indigenisation of its nuclear power program to the optimum level in order to reduce dependence on imported plant and fuel, conserve the precious foreign exchange component and to lower overall cost, while raising the level of nation’s industrial and technological base.

Achievements

PAEC started nuclear power planning activities since early 1960s and has developed expertise in energy forecasting, power plant economics and power system expansion and pre-project planning.

Design and engineering of nuclear power plant was initiated in 1980 and a formal Design & Engineering Department was set up in 1985. Over 100 engineers trained in Europe and China have actively participated in the design, design review, PSAR and FSAR preparation and review of CHASNUPP.

National Centre for Non Destructive Testing (NCNDT) and Pakistan Welding Institute (PWI) have trained large number of personnel in public and private sector.

The development of infrastructure facilities at CHASNUPP site and civil construction of all plant building/structures outside nuclear and conventional islands has been carried out by local industry. In future plants, civil works will be mostly carried out by local industry with sizable contribution in installation.

Some local manufacturing capability exists in the public and private sectors for the manufacturing of thermal power plant boiler components, heat exchangers and electrical equipment. In PAEC, efforts have been made to look after instrumentation and control, material, nuclear fuel cycle facilities and manufacture of spares for KANUPP. A Full Scope Training Simulator for CHASNUPP has also been developed by PAEC with the technical assistance of Chinese experts in addition to manufacturing of several vessels, tanks and piping, etc.

2.4.  Operation of NPPs

PAEC is responsible for operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in the country. KANUPP has been kept operational since its commissioning in 1971. In 1976 Canada stopped all supplies of fuel, heavy water, spare parts and technical information. Pakistan developed local capabilities for making fuel and spares. Now, PAEC has capability to operate its nuclear power plants satisfactorily.

2.5.  Fuel Cycle and Waste Management

PAEC initiated nuclear fuel cycle activities with a modest prospecting programme in early 1960s. A number of promising areas were located, some of which are presently being explored.

Uranium ore has been mined and the first ore processing plant using this indigenous ore has been in operation for some time. Essential laboratory facilities have also been set up to support the exploration and ore process development work. Natural uranium fuel for KANUPP is being fabricated by PAEC.

Appropriate radioactive waste management systems have been designed for KANUPP and CHASNUPP to remove radioactive liquid, gaseous and solid wastes arising from the plant. These radioactive waste management systems collect, store, allow sufficient radioactive decay and process the waste through filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, solidification, vitrification and drumming.

2.6.  Research and Development

Research Reactor Facilities

Research Institutes/Centers

• PINSTECH (Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology) Basic/Applied Research in Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Safety, Radioisotope Applications and Radiation Protection
• PIEAS (Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences) (Formerly Center for Nuclear Studies)
  Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D Degree Courses in various disciplines of Nuclear Engineering, System Engineering, Nuclear Medicine and Information Technologies
• KINPOE (Karachi Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering)
  Masters Degree in Nuclear Power Engineering, Diploma Course for Technicians
• INUP (Institute for Nuclear Power)
  Indigenization and Design of NSSS
• ICCC (Instrumentation, Control and Computers Complex)
  I & C of NPP, development of simulators, plant computer systems, etc.
• CHASCENT (CHASNUPP Centre for Nuclear Training)
  one year course for Engineers and Technicians

2.7.  International Co-operation and Initiatives

Pakistan is member of IAEA, WANO and COG and benefit from their programs for enhancement of safety and reliability of nuclear power plants.

IAEA OSART Missions to KANUPP were conducted in 1985 and 1989. WANO Peer Review of KANUPP was conducted in 1994 with follow-up in 1996. Another WANO Peer Review of KANUPP was conducted in February 2000. IAEA OSART Mission to CHASNUPP was invited in January 2004 and follow-up OSART Mission from 16-20 January 2006. WANO Peer Review of CHASNUPP was conducted from 1-16 March 2006. The recommendations of these missions were very beneficial for improving safety and performance of our Nuclear Power Plants. Both the nuclear power plants KANUPP and CHASNUPP are under the IAEA safeguards.

2.8.  Human Resources Development

PAEC has been making a significant contribution in development of human resources in the field of Science and Technology in particular in application of nuclear Science and Technology. Every year young Scientists and engineers from various fields get post-graduate degrees and training in the training centers of PAEC listed in section 2.6. These trained personals get the opportunity to work in their relevant fields by working in the research institutes and nuclear power plants of PAEC.

3.  NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

3.1.  Safety Authority and the Licensing Process

Nuclear regulatory matters are overseen by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA). PNRA was established through a Presidential Ordinance of 22nd January 2001 [Ref. 7]. The Authority consists of a Chairman, not more than two full time members and seven part time members. PNRA is empowered to devise adopt, make and enforce regulations and orders for nuclear safety and radiation protection to all types of nuclear installations and nuclear substances.

PNRA issues licenses for the nuclear installations and production, storage, disposal, trade and use of nuclear substances and radioactive materials. The license may be issued on application made to the Authority accompanied by prescribed fee, relevant information and documents, as required by regulations.

3.2.  Main National Laws and Regulations in Nuclear Power

• Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations, 1990
• Regulations for Treatment of Food by Ionizing Radiation, 1996
• Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Power Plant Operating Personnel, 1998
• Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Research Reactors Operating Personnel, 1998
• Regulations for the Licensing of Radiation Facility(ies) other than Nuclear Installations(s), 2004
• Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plants Operation, 2004

After the promulgation of the Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Ordinance in 1984, and the Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations in 1990, preparation of regulatory documents started in 1990. The first document, prepared in 1990, was the "Procedure for Licensing of Nuclear Power Plants in Pakistan", which provides the basis for the licensing of nuclear power plants in Pakistan. Similarly, "Procedure for Licensing of Research Reactors in Pakistan" was prepared in 1991.

4.  CURRENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS ON NUCLEAR POWER

4.1.  Energy Policy

Pakistan was among the first few developing countries to enter the field of nuclear power generation. Unfortunately, development of nuclear power in the country was constrained due to international embargoes, shortages of financial resources and insufficient technical manpower. However, this situation has improved considerably as a result of many years of a sustained and rigorous program of training, research and development in the nuclear field. PAEC is pursuing a comprehensive plan in order to enhance its technical capability in the field of nuclear power in a manner that would gradually lead to a high degree of self-reliance. The plan aims at systematically developing local capability, in close co-operation with supplier countries, leading progressively to increase indigenous design, engineering and manufacture of nuclear power plants together with their components and fuel.

4.2.  Privatization and deregulation

Under the current policy, an open and competitive electivity market is to be developed in Pakistan latest by 2010. The focus of this policy is to increase private sector participation in electricity market and reduce dependence on public sector. All fossil-fuel based power projects will be developed by the private sector. Nuclear power remains in the public sector. Because all activities in the electricity market are to be under the license of NEPRA, nuclear power plants will also be operating under the rules and regulations given in the generation license issued by the NEPRA.

4.3.  Role of the government in the nuclear R&D

Government. of Pakistan is fully supporting all the research and development programmes of PAEC. These R&D programs encompass nuclear application in various areas including medicine, agricultural development, food, water and nuclear power.

4.4.  Nuclear Energy and Climate Change

Table 11 reports electricity generation from nuclear power plants in Pakistan during last 34 years. There were two alternative sources to replace this generation - gas fired and furnace oil fired power plants. Table 12 shows CO₂ emissions if this amount of electricity would have been produced by these two alternative sources.

TABLE 12: CO₂ EMISSIONS AVOIDED BY NUCLEAR

4.5.  Safety and waste management issues

The Directorate of Safety (DOS) looks after the safety aspects of PAEC projects. KANUPP and CHASNUPP have their own waste management programs for disposing solid, liquid and gaseous wastes and sites for ultimate disposal of radioactive waste are being explored.

4.6.  Other issues

PAEC has long term plan to increase the nuclear power generation capacity in the country to 8800 MWe by the year 2030. To implement this plan, new sites are being investigated and cooperation from nuclear power plant suppliers is being explored.

REFERENCES

Appendix 1

INTERNATIONAL (MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL) AGREEMENTS

Pakistan became a Member State of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957 and has actively participated in virtually all of the Agency's activities. Pakistan has benefited from the IAEA's Technical Assistance and Co-operation Programme (TACP), and has also provided training to many scientists and engineers from other developing countries through TACP.

Appendix 2

DIRECTORY OF THE MAIN ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND COMPANIES INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR POWER RELATED ACTIVITIES