Prospects of nuclear energy in the 21st century in Southwest Asia: an assessment for Pakistan and Afghanistan

Abstract

This paper presents a scenario of socio-economic development and the corresponding energy requirements of Pakistan for 2025, 2050 and 2100. It shows that even after large-scale development of indigenous energy resources, the energy import dependence increases. If access to advanced nuclear power reactors becomes available to Pakistan, then nuclear power can make a sizable contribution in meeting the future electricity needs, reducing stress on the international supplies of oil and gas with concurrent benefits for the environment. A scenario of economic development and electricity supply of Afghanistan is also presented for 2025 and 2050 and it is proposed that nuclear power generation may be a viable option by 2050.