The governmental system of Pakistan is based on the constitution of 1973; a federal parliamentary system with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The parliament consists of the Lower House, which is called National Assembly, and the Upper House, or Senate. National Assembly members are directly elected for five-year terms while Senate members are elected by provincial assemblies, with equal representation from each of the four provinces as well as representatives from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Islamabad Capital Territory. Both the Senate and National Assembly may initiate and pass legislation.
Executive power lies with the President and Prime minister. An electoral college composed of members of the national and provincial legislatures elects the President for a five-year term. The Prime Minister is an elected member of the National Assembly and is the leader of the National Assembly’s dominant party or coalition. The Prime Minister is assisted by a cabinet of ministers who are appointed by the President on the advice of Prime Minister.
Pakistan has four provinces. Each province has a Governor appointed by the President, and provinces also have an elected legislative assembly and a Chief Minister who is the leader of the legislative assembly’s majority party or coalition. The Chief Minister is assisted by a council of ministers chosen by the Chief Minister and approved by the Governor.
Pakistan is situated in South Asia and it stretches over 1,600 kilometers from south-west to north-east. It lies between 24° and 37° north latitude and 62° and 75° 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 53°C at some places in the Baluchistan Plateau and the Lower Indus Plain.
Pakistan experiences a general deficiency of rainfall. The country 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 Sindh province are dependent on flood irrigated agriculture.
On January 1, 2009, the population of Pakistan was about 163.8 millions and the population density was 205.8 inhabitants per square kilometer (Table 1). At present, the population growth rate is about 1.7% per annum (GOP: 2010).
| TABLE 1: POPULATION INFORMATION | Average Annual Growth Rate (%) | ||||||
| 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 | |
| Population (Millions) | 59.7 | 80.2 | 108.2 | 137.5 | 152.5 | 163.8 | 2.0 |
| Population Density (Inhabitants/km2) | 75.0 | 100.8 | 136.0 | 172.7 | 191.6 | 205.8 | 2.0 |
| Urban Population as % of Total | 25.4 | 28.3 | 30.2 | 33.4 | 34.0 | - | |
| Area (1000 km2) | 796 095.0 | ||||||
Notes:
1) Years in this table are calendar years (1st January – 31st December)
2) Population data is on 1st January.
Source: (GOP: 2009a).
Over the last four decades, economy of the country has grown at an average annual rate of 7.6% (in current US$). However, due to high population growth rate, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased at only 5.0% per annum during the same period. The present per capita income in Pakistan is US$ 1,046. The GDP statistics have been reported in Table 2.
| TABLE 2: GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT | Average Annual Growth Rate (%) | ||||||
| 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 | |
| GDP (Millions of Current US$) | 9 107.0 | 19 114.0 | 35 432.0 | 68 804.0 | 103 147.0 | 159 636.0 | 9.8 |
| GDP (Millions of Constant 2000 US$) | 15 277.0 | 24 442.0 | 44 334.0 | 68 804.0 | 103 147.0 | 159 636.0 | 9.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (PPP* US$/Capita) | - | 596.0 | 1 248.0 | 1 777.0 | 2 231.0 | 2 671.0 | - |
| GDP Per Capita (Current US$/Capita) | 153.0 | 238.0 | 327.0 | 500.0 | 733.0 | 1 046.0 | 7.7 |
Notes:
1) Years in this table are financial years (1st July – 30th June).
2) GDP is at factor cost.
3) 2009 data is provisional.
4) GDP per capita is in current US$.
Sources: (GOP: 2009a) and (Indexmundi: 2010).
Pakistan’s commercial energy resources consist of coal, gas, oil and hydropower, along with a large base of traditional fuels in the form of fuelwood, agricultural and animal wastes. The energy resources are reported in Table 3. Pakistan does not have adequate oil reserves and has to import large quantities of crude oil and petroleum products to meet its energy requirements.
Pakistan has a considerable potential of wind energy in the coastal areas. Pakistan Metrological Department has conducted a survey of wind power potential of coastal areas of Pakistan and identified the areas where economically feasible wind farms can be established. The potential areas cover 9700 square kilometers with average annual wind speed of 7 m/sec at 30 meters height. The gross wind power potential of this area is 43,000 MWe and keeping in view the area utilization constraints etc., the exploitable wind power potential is estimated to be about 11,000 MWe. Average capacity factor of wind turbines in this area is 25%. (PMD: 2010).
| TABLE 3: ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY RESOURCES | ||||||
| Fossil Fuels | Nuclear | Renewables | ||||
| Solid | Liquid | Gas | Uranium | Hydro | Other Renewable | |
| Total Amount in Specific Units* | 4,426 | 42.2 | 24.5 | - | 55 | 11 |
| Total Amount in Exajoules [EJ] | 87.6 | 1.9 | 23.3 | - | 2.5 | 0.25 |
Notes:
1) Specific units for solid & liquid: million tonnes, gas: trillion cubic feet, hydro and wind: GW
2) Solid consists of coal and commercial wood. Coal has been converted to energy at 19.8 GJ/tonne and wood at 16.44 GJ/tonne.
3) Crude oil has been converted to energy at 44.2 GJ/tonne.
4) Natural gas has been converted to energy at 950 GJ/million cubic feet.
5) Hydro power potential has been converted to energy at 50% plant factor and 10550 GJ/GWh.
6) Wind power potential has been converted to energy at 25.0% capacity factor and 10550 GJ/GWh.
Sources: (HDIP: 2009), (GOP: 2009b) and (PMD: 2010).
The energy supply statistics are given in Table 4. For the last ten years, the indigenous oil production has been at the level of about 55,000-70,000 barrels per day (equivalent to about 15-21% of the country's oil consumption). Pakistan's natural gas production in year 2008-09 amounts to 4,002 million cubic feet per day.
| TABLE 4: ENERGY STATISTICS | Average Annual Growth Rate (%) | ||||||
| ENERGY CONSUMPTION** | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL | 0.64 | 1.04 | 1.7 | 2.46 | 3.07 | 3.42 | 3.7 |
| - Solids | 0.33 | 0.43 | 0.55 | 0.65 | 0.8 | 0.87 | 3.4 |
| - Liquids | 0.17 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.83 | 0.73 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| - Gases | 0.11 | 0.25 | 0.47 | 0.77 | 1.23 | 1.33 | 6.3 |
| - Nuclear | - | - | - | - | 0.03 | 0.02 | 16.8 |
| - Hydro | 0.03 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.2 | 0.27 | 0.3 | 4.2 |
| ENERGY PRODUCTION | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL | 0.49 | 0.83 | 1.29 | 1.73 | 2.39 | 2.54 | 4.4 |
| - Solids*** | 0.33 | 0.41 | 0.52 | 0.62 | 0.71 | 0.74 | 2 |
| - Liquids | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.12 | 0.13 | 0.15 | 0.16 | 2.3 |
| - Gases | 0.11 | 0.25 | 0.47 | 0.77 | 1.23 | 1.33 | 6.3 |
| - Nuclear | - | - | - | - | 0.03 | 0.02 | 16.8 |
| - Hydro | 0.03 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.2 | 0.27 | 0.29 | 4.1 |
| NET IMPORT (IMP - EXP) | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL | 0.15 | 0.22 | 0.41 | 0.73 | 0.68 | 0.88 | 2.1 |
Notes:
1) Years in this table are financial years (1st July – 30th June).
2) Energy consumption = Primary energy production + Net import (import – export).
3) Solid fuels include coal and commercial wood.
Sources: (GOP: 1978) and (HDIP: 2009).
Coal Production in 2008-09 was 3.7 million tonnes. The sectoral distribution of coal consumption is as follows: Cement and other industry: 51.2%, Brick kilns: 31.0%, as Coke: 16.7% and Power: 1.1%. 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 organizational constraints.
During the year 2008-09, hydropower provided 30.3% of electricity in Pakistan. Although, Pakistan has relatively high endowment of hydropower potential, only 6,560 MWe (12%) has been exploited. Some small and mini/micro hydro projects are in construction or in planning phase and a number of medium and large size hydroelectric projects have been planned/proposed.
The nuclear power generation contributed 1.8% to the total electricity generation of Pakistan in year 2008-09. At present country has a 137 MWe, PHWR type nuclear power plant, KANUPP (K-1) and a 325 MWe, PWR type plant, CHASNUPP unit-1 (C-1). The construction of another PWR type nuclear unit of 340 MWe capacity, at Chashma site, is in progress, for which the contract has been signed with CNNC, China.
The energy sector, to a large extent, has been owned and operated by the Government of Pakistan (GOP). During the last two decades, GOP formulated various policies and programme to reform the energy sector. Besides improving the efficiency of public sector institutions, policies have been made to increase the private sector participation in the development of energy sector. The legal and institutional framework has been setup for restructuring of energy sector entities owned by the public sector and to emerge a market in which private companies can work under the regulatory authorities to provide energy/electricity on competitive basis.
In 2005, GOP formulated The Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF) 2005-10 (GOP: 2005). This Framework translates the vision of long-term (2005-30) sustainable development into a mix of actions and policies those decide the role of public sector in the development process, and facilitates the private sector to play its role. The Framework lists issues in energy sector to design strategies for development and policies for implementation. The aim of current energy policy is to ensure sustainable supply of energy to all sectors of economy at a competitive price through development of indigenous energy resources (coal, hydro, nuclear and renewables) and reduction of import dependence.
Pakistan power sector was owned and served by two public utilities; the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC). Over the years it was observed that these institutions were not able to provide electricity for needs of the country that resulted supply-demand gap. The performance of power sector was continuously deteriorated due to institutional weaknesses, lack of management in tariff structure and huge subsidies. To improve the performance of power sector, an institutional framework was setup under a strategic plan of GOP.
In new setup, National Electric Power Regularity Authority (NEPRA) has been established. For management of the restructuring of Power Sector, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has been established. The Power Wing of WAPDA has been unbundled into four Generation Companies (GENCOs), nine Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and one National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC). The large-hydro power projects remained under the responsibility of WAPDA. The KESC has also been privatized. The nuclear power remained under Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has been established for the support of private power plants. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has been set-up for the exploitation of renewable energy resources.
The overall planning of electricity system is under the control of The National Economic Council (NEC). 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 are 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 and formulates unified short and long-term national energy plans. The NEC approves all plans and policies relating to energy/electricity sectors development. 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. The planning and development of nuclear power is the responsibility of PAEC.
The following are the major stake holders in the electricity sector.
1) Ministry of Water and Power
The Ministry of Water and Power, responsible for development of water and power resources in the country, handles all issues related to electricity generation, transmission and distribution, pricing, regulation, and consumption in the country, and exercises this function through respective organizations. It also performs certain specific functions such as coordinate and plan the power sector, formulate policy and specific incentives, and liaise with provincial governments on all related issues.
2) Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
PEPCO has been established for implementation of restructuring of power sector of the country excluding KESC region. PEPCO comprises of 4 Generation Companies (GENCOs), a Transmission and Dispatch Company and 9 Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
Generation Companies (GENCOs):
- Northern Power Generation Company (NPGC)
NPGC is the largest power generation company in PEPCO. It owns and operates thermal power plants of 1,980 MWe capacity; TPS Muzaffargarh (1350 MWe), NGPS Multan (195 MWe), SPS Faisalabad (132 MWe), GTPS Faisalabad (244 MWe) and GTPS Shahdra (59 MWe).
- Central Power Generation Company Ltd (CPGCL)
CPGCL is the second largest thermal power generation complex in PEPCO. It owns and operates thermal power plants of 1,690 MWe capacity; TPS Guddu (1655 MWe) and TPS Quetta (35 MWe).
- Jamshoro Power Company Ltd (JPCL)
JPCL owns and operates two thermal power stations; TPS Jamshoro (850 MWe) and GTPS Kotri (174 MWe).
- Lakhra Power Generation Company Ltd (LPGCL)
LPGCL owns and operates a coal power plant at Lakhra of 150 MWe capacity.
- National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC)
The NTDC is responsible to construct, operate and maintain transmission system comprising transmission lines (220 kV and 500 kV) and grid stations linking all power plants of the country and provide services to the distribution companies in design and construction of 132 kV transmission lines and grid stations.
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)
- Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO)
3) WAPDA (Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority)
WAPDA is responsible for planning and execution of hydro power projects. At present, WAPDA is operating 6,480 MWe hydro capacity.
4) KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Company)
KESC is a private company responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of power to the city of Karachi and surrounding area (Uthal and Bela district). KESC owns and operates thermal capacity of 1,955 MWe.
5) PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission)
PAEC is responsible for planning, implementation, operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Presently two NPPs, C-1 (325 MWe) and K-1 (137 MWe), are in operation and a third NPP, C-2 (340 MWe) is under construction.
6) PPIB (Private Power Infrastructure Board)
PPIB provides support to private sector in implementing conventional private sector power generation projects, including hydro projects of more than 50 MW capacity. A total of 17 IPPs (Independent Power Producers) are operating in the country with a total installed capacity of 6,066 MW.
7) AEDB (Alternative Energy Development Board)
The AEDB is responsible for promoting and facilitating the exploitation of renewable energy resources in Pakistan. The first commercial scale wind power plant of 50 MW is being established by Zorlu Enerji Group of Turkey at Jhimpir, in Sindh province (AEDB: 2010). The plant is being constructed in two phases; first phase of 6 MW has been commissioned while the entire plant of 50 MW will be completed in 2010.
8) Rental Power Plants
GOP is acquiring power plants on rental basis due to acute shortage of electricity in the country. Presently, two rental power plants, GE Rental (150 MWe) and AP Rental (135 MWe) are in operation.
9) NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority)
NEPRA is responsible for: granting licenses for generation, transmission and distribution of electric power; determining tariffs for the supply of electric power; and prescribing performance standards for generation, transmission and distribution companies.
10) PNRA (Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority)
PNRA is responsible for grant of license to all nuclear installations in the country including NPPs. The Authority is formulating and implementing effective regulations to ensure safe operation of NPPs.
Table 5 reports the data of electricity production and installed capacity in the country over the last four decades and Table 6 provides energy related ratios.
| TABLE 5: ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION & CAPACITY | Average Annual Growth Rate (%) | ||||||
| Capacity of Electrical Plants [GWe] | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL | 1.72 | 3.50 | 7.86 | 17.40 | 19.38 | 19.86 | 1.50 |
| - Thermal | 1.05 | 1.79 | 4.83 | 12.44 | 12.42 | 12.84 | 0.40 |
| - Hydro | 0.67 | 1.57 | 2.90 | 4.83 | 6.50 | 6.56 | 3.50 |
| - Nuclear | - | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 14.50 |
| Electricity Production (TWh) | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL** | 6.46 | 14.89 | 37.94 | 65.75 | 85.63 | 92.48 | 3.90 |
| - Thermal | 3.54 | 6.17 | 20.72 | 46.06 | 57.16 | 62.66 | 3.50 |
| - Hydro | 2.92 | 8.72 | 16.93 | 19.29 | 25.67 | 28.20 | 4.30 |
| - Nuclear | - | < 0.01 | 0.29 | 0.40 | 2.80 | 1.62 | 16.80 |
| Total Electricity Consumption (TWh) | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2009 | 2000 - 2009 |
| TOTAL | 4.62 | 10.35 | 28.77 | 45.59 | 61.33 | 70.37 | 4.90 |
- Nuclear power introduced after 1970.
Notes:- 1) Years in this table are financial years (1st July – 30th June).
2) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.
Source: (HDIP: 2009).
The share of hydro power in total electricity generation is about 30%. Higher share of hydro power in electricity generation results in seasonal variation in supply. These variations are further effected by the regulation on water outflow from the storage dam for irrigation. As a result a gap exists between the maximum demand during peak hours and the installed capacity in certain months. The hydro capacity decreases to about 3,506 MWe from installed capacity of 6,480 MWe when the water level in the dams gets low (NTDC: 2009). Furthermore, the share of household sector is total electricity consumption is about 46%. The higher share of household sector in total electricity demand makes the peak demand more pronounced.
| TABLE 6: Energy Related Ratios | ||||||
| 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | Year* | |
| Energy Consumption Per Capita (GJ/Capita) | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 21 |
| Electricity Consumption Per Capita (kWh/Capita) | 108 | 186 | 351 | 478 | 561 | 565 |
| Electricity Production/Energy Production (%) | 14 | 18 | 31 | 40 | 38 | 38 |
| Nuclear/Total Electricity (%) | - | < 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 3.3 | 1.7 |
| Ratio of External Dependency (%)** | 23 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 22 | 26 |
Notes:
1) Years in this table are financial years (1st July – 30th June).
2) Energy consumption includes wood.
3) Self generation is not included in electricity production and consumption.
4) External dependency is the ratio of net import and total energy consumption.
Sources: Based on Tables 1, 4 and 5
Established as Pakistan Atomic Energy Committee in 1955, the Ordinance for Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) was promulgated by the President of Pakistan and later approved by the National Assembly in 1965. The functions of the PAEC includes research work necessary for the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear 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.
Figure 1 shows the current organizational chart of PAEC. PAEC has a Chairman and eight full-time working members.
Figure 1: Organizational Chart of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan started construction of its first NPP, K-1, in 1966 at Karachi. The plant was connected to national grid on 18 October 1972. The 137 MWe plant was constructed by the Canadian General Electric (CGE) under a turnkey contract. In 1976, vendor support was withdrawn. Thereafter, PAEC undertook manufacturing of some spares and fuel on an emergency basis and K-1 has been using indigenously manufactured fuel since 1980.
Despite the keen interest of Pakistan in building additional NPPs, it took more than two decades to start construction of the second NPP due to unfavorable international environment coupled with lack of indigenous technological and industrial capabilities for design and construction of NPPs. The construction of Pakistan's second NPP, C-1, started in 1992 with the help of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). It has a gross capacity of 325 MWe. The plant was connected to the national grid on June 13, 2000. Since then, it is operating well. The construction of third NPP, C-2, is on schedule and, is expected to be commissioned in 2011.
Table 7 reports the status and performance of NPPs in Pakistan. K-1 is operating safely at reduced power level of 90 MWe and has produced 12.68 billion KWh of electricity upto 31st December 2009. C-1 has produced 18.76 billion KWh of electricity upto 31st December 2009. During 2009, capacity factor of C-1 was 81.1% and of K-1 was 45.4%.
| TABLE 7: STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS | ||||||||||
| Station | Type | Net Capacity | Operator | Status | Reactor Supplier | Construction Date+ | Grid Date++ | Commercial Date | Shutdown Date | UCF |
| K-1 | PHWR | 125* | PAEC | Operational | CGE | 1st August1966 | 26590 | 26640 | - | 45.4 |
| C-1 | PWR | 300 | PAEC | Operational | CNNC | 1st August1993 | 36690 | 36784 | - | 81.1 |
| C-2 | PWR | 315 | PAEC | Under Construction | CNNC | 38714 | May, 2011 | August, 2011 | - | - |
* K-1 re-licensed after completing design life of 30 years at 90 MWe.
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 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 control and instrumentation loops and computers have been replaced.
After rehabilitation, various inspections and reviews of K-1 were carried out by international experts. On fulfilling the regulatory requirements of PNRA, license was granted to K-1 at a reduced power level of 90 MWe.
The Energy Security Plan of Pakistan envisaged construction of 8,800 MWe nuclear power generation capacity by 2030 (GOP: 2005). The strategy of PAEC for nuclear power programme is development of indigenous capability in NPP technology to reduce dependence on imported plant and fuel, conserve the foreign exchange component and to reduce overall cost, while raising the level of nation’s industrial and technological base.
Two existing NPPs of Pakistan, K-1, C-1, and one under construction C-2 are on turn-key. During construction and installation of K-1, C-1 and C-2, PAEC has been involved in all project management activities. This experience will help PAEC to manage future NPPs. An Engineering Design Organization (EDO) has been established which is providing technical service to existing operational NPPs and will act as an architect engineer for the future NPPs.
K-1, C-1 and C-2 were funded through Public Sector Development programme (PSDP) of GOP. The funding for future NPPs will be available from; (i) PSDP allocation for power sector, (ii) income from sale of electricity and, (ii) export credit from supplier.
The construction, expansion and upgradation of national electric grid is the responsibility of NTDC.
PAEC has conducted in detail studies for sites of existing NPPs; K-1, C-1 and C-2. These sites meet regulatory requirements of PNRA. These sites can accommodate additional nuclear units. However, more sites are also being investigated for expanded nuclear power programme.
PAEC and PNRA are involved in construction of NPPs.
PAEC, PNRA and NEPRA are involved in the operations of NPPs.
PAEC and PNRA will be involved in decommissioning of NPPs.
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. Essential laboratory facilities have also been set up to support the exploration and ore process development work. Fuel for K-1 is being fabricated by PAEC.
Appropriate radioactive waste management systems have been designed for KANUPP and CHASNUPP sites to remove radioactive liquid, gaseous and solid wastes arising from the plants. These radioactive waste management systems collect, store, allow sufficient radioactive decay and process the waste through filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, solidification, vitrification and drumming.
Research Reactor Facilities
Pakistan has two research reactors:
(i) PARR-1, Swimming Pool type, 10 MWe.
(ii) PARR-2, Tank in Pool type, 30 kWe.
Research Institutes/Centers
(i) PINSTECH (Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology) established for basic/applied research in physics, chemistry, materials, safety, radioisotope applications and radiation protection.
(ii) Engineering Design Organisation (EDO) established for engineering and design of NPPs.
(iii) ICCC (Instrumentation, Control and Computers Complex) established for I & C of NPPs, simulators, plant computer systems, etc.
Pakistan is a member of IAEA project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) and is participating in activities of INPRO.
Pakistan is a member of IAEA, WANO and COG and is getting assistance from their programmes for enhancement of safety and reliability of NPPs. IAEA OSART missions to K-1 were conducted in 1985 and 1989. WANO Peer Reviews of K-1 were conducted in 1994 and 2000. IAEA OSART mission to C-1 was invited in January 2004 and follow-up mission was in January 2006. WANO Peer Review of C-1 was conducted in March 2006. The recommendations of these missions were very beneficial for improving safety and performance of our NPPs. Both the operating NPPs; K-1, C-1 and the under construction unit C-2 are under the safeguards of IAEA.
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 PAEC research and development institutes listed below.
1) PIEAS (Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences) offers Masters and Ph.D degree courses in nuclear engineering, system engineering, process engineering, material engineering, mechanical engineering, medical physics, laser, plasma and computational physics, computer science and nuclear medicine. Besides the regular academic programmes, PIEAS also conducts training courses in various specialized topics, i.e., reactor supervision and operation, health physics, laser technology, computer applications and advanced reactor safety, etc. The courses in management are also being conducted in this institute.
2) KINPOE (Karachi Institute of Power Engineering) offers Masters Degree in nuclear power engineering and one year diploma in nuclear technology to engineering and science graduates. It also offers a post-diploma programme in nuclear technology for technicians having a three year diploma after high school.
3) CHASCENT (CHASNUPP Centre for Nuclear Training) provides one year training in nuclear power plant technology to engineers and technicians.
4) NCNDT (National Centre for Non-Destructive Testing) provides training in non-destructive testing techniques to engineers and technicians of the PAEC and industry.
5) PWI (The Pakistan Welding Institute) provides training in industrial welding techniques to professionals of the PAEC and industry.
The trained personals get the opportunity to work in their relevant fields by working in the research institutes and NPPs of PAEC.
PAEC has well established communication with IAEA, PNRA and NEPRA.
Nuclear regulatory matters are overseen by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), established through a Presidential Ordinance of 22nd January 2001 (GOP: 2001). 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.
· Pakistan Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Regulations, 1990
· Regulation for Licensing of Nuclear Installations in Pakistan (PAK/909), 2001
· Regulation on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plant-Design (PAK/911), 2002
· Regulation on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plants-Quality Assurance (PAK/912), 2003
· Regulations on Radiation Protection (PAK/904), 2004
· Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plants Operation (PAK/913), 2004
· Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management (PAK/915), 2005
· Trade Policy 2005-06, Ministry of Commerce, Import and Export Policy and Import and Export Control Act 1950, 2005
· Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, (PAK/916), 2007
· Regulations on the Safety of Nuclear Installations-Site Evaluation (PAK/910), 2008
· Regulations on Management of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency (PAK/914), 2008
· Regulations for Licensing of Nuclear Safety Class Equipment and Component Manufacturers (PAK/907), 2008
· Regulations on Licensing Fee by Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PAK/900), 2008.
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 NPPs in Pakistan. Similarly, "Procedure for Licensing of Research Reactors in Pakistan" was prepared in 1991.
(AEDB: 2010), The Alternative Energy Development Board, http://www.aedb.org accessed on 12 February 2010.
(GOP: 1978), Energy Data Book, Energy Resources Cell, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, 1978.
(GOP: 2001), The Gazette of Pakistan, Islamabad, January 22, 2001.
(GOP: 2005), Medium Term Development Framework 2005-2010, Planning Commission, Government of Pakistan, May 2005.
(GOP: 2009a), Pakistan Economic Survey 2008-09 and earlier issues, Economic Adviser’s Wing, Finance Division, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2009.
(GOP: 2009b), Integrated Energy Plan 2009-2022, Economic Advisory Council, Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, March 2009.
(HDIP: 2009), Pakistan Energy Yearbook 2009 (and earlier issues), Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan, December 2009.
(Indexmundi: 2010), Pakistan GDP – per capita,http://www.indexmundi.com/pakistan/gdp accessed on 26 January 2010.
(NTDC: 2009), Electricity Marketing Data (Power System Statistics, 33rd issues), Planning (Power) Department, National Transmission and Despatch Company, WAPDA House, Lahore, 2009.
(PMD: 2010), Pakistan Meteorological Department, www.pakmet.com.pk accessed on 17 February 2010.
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.
|
AGREEMENTS WITH THE IAEA |
Project related safeguard agreements
| INFCIRC No. | ||
| • /34 | Research reactor | 5 March 1962 |
| • /116 | Project agreements | 17 June 1968 |
| • /135 | NPP Project/Canada | 17 October 1969 |
| • /239 | Reprocessing Plant/France | 18 March 1976 |
| • /418 | Supply of Nuclear Power Station from PR of China | 24 February 1993 |
| • /705 | Supply of Nuclear Power Station from PR of China | 22 February 2007 |
Unilateral Safeguard submissions
| INFCIRC No. | ||
| • /248 | Supply of U-Concentrate | 2 March 1977 |
| • /393 | Supply of miniature source reactor from PR of China | 10 September 1991 |
| • Additional Protocol: | - | Not signed |
| • Improved procedure for designation of safeguard inspector | Prefers the present system | Letter of 20 December 1988 |
| • Supplementary agreement on provision of technical assistance by the IAEA | - | 22 September 1994 |
| • RCA | 3 September 1987 | |
| • Agreement on privileges and Immunities with IAEA | Party | 16 April 1963 |
Other Relevant International Conventions/Agreements etc.
| • Convention on early notification of a nuclear accident | Entry into force | 12 October 1989 |
| • Convention on assistance in the case of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency | Entry into force | 12 October 1989 |
| • Convention on nuclear safety | Entry into force | 29 December 1997 |
| • Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management | - | Not signed |
| • Convention on the physical protection of nuclear material | Entry into force | 12 October 2000 |
| • Vienna Convention on Civil liability for nuclear damage | - | Non-party |
| • Joint protocol relating to the application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention | Non-party | |
| • Protocoal to amend the Vienna Convention on civil liability for nuclear damage | Non-party | |
| • Convention on supplementary compensation for nuclear damage | Not signed | |
| • ZANGGER Committee | Non-Member | |
| • Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) | - | Non-Member |
| • Acceptance of NUSS codes | Decision on adoption of IAEA NUSS | May 1981 |
MAIN ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND COMPANIES INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR POWER RELATED ACTIVITIES
| NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY | |
| Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC),
P.O. Box 1114, Islamabad, Pakistan. |
Tel: +92-51-9204276
Fax: +92-51-9204908 |
| NATIONAL NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITY | |
| Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority,
P.O.Box 1912, Islamabad, Pakistan. |
Tel: +92-51-9263001-6
Fax: :+92-51-9263007 |