AN OVERVIEW OF NUCLEAR POWER ECONOMICS AND SAFETY ISSUES IN THE WORLD AND IN PAKISTAN
Abstract
Nuclear Power generation has been and is a serious option in the energy basket for economic competitiveness as well as energy autarky and security. However, two most important factors, i.e. economics and safety, need to be discussed from the developing markets point of view while watching global trends. The type, size and vendor information is presented in a manner that economic and safety paradigm is more clearly visible. Most of the 12,000 reactor-years operation experience in the world is obtained from generation I & II Nuclear Power Plants, and it is considered that they are still relevant in most energy markets. Currently, like countries such as the USA, UK and others, Pakistan has Generation II NPP technology, so both economics and safety conditions may not change in the near future. However, alternative data is presented to provide a better understanding; and its relevance to Pakistan is stressed.References
“The Future of Nuclear Powerâ€, An Interdisciplinary MIT Study, MIT, 2003.
“Research Reactor Data Baseâ€, IAEA, 2005.
“Power Reactor Information Systemâ€, IAEA, 2005
“Fast Reactor Databaseâ€, IAEA-TECDOC-866, Vienna, Austria, Feb. 1996.
R. Knox, “2003 load factors analysed by NSSS vendorsâ€, Nuclear Engineering International, June 2004.
Pakistan Energy Yearbook, Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Govt. of Pakistan, 2004.
Energy Outlook, 2004.
H.H. Rogner, “Nuclear Power Revival: Short term Anomaly or long-term trendâ€, IAEA.
NERAC Subcommittee on Long-Term Nuclear Research and Development Planning, Workshop I Report, Oct. 18-20, 1999.
Data from Nuclear Energy Institute website and International Energy Agency (IEA).
L.K. Won, “Policy Optionsâ€, Presentation at Joint EIA/NEA Workshop, on Security of Energy Supply for Electricity Generation, Paris, May 24, 2005.
N. Pochettino, “World oil demand: key trends and uncertaintiesâ€, IEA, 2005.
Attachment 7, “PAR requirements for PWRs: Value Impact Assessment†to SECY-02-0080, May 13, 2002, “Proposed Rulemaking-Risk informed 10 CFR50.44 Combustible Gas Control in Containmentâ€.
R.Guldner & W. Breyer, “Global perspectives for nuclear power generation, 2005.
World Energy Yearbook, 2004.
“International Nuclear Event Scale: User‟s Manualâ€, IAEA-INES-2001.
“Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Designâ€, Safety Series, 50-C-D, Rev. 1, IAEA, Vienna, Austria, 1988.
“Safety of NPPs: Designâ€, Safety Series, NS-R-1, IAEA, Vienna, Austria, 2000.
Code of Federal Regulations, USA.
“The New Economics of Nuclear Powerâ€, World Nuclear Association Report, Carlton House 22a St. James‟s London SW1Y 4JH, UK, 2005.
G.R. Ather, et. el., “Role of Nuclear Power and Other Energy Options in Competitive Electricity Market of Pakistanâ€, ASAG, PAEC, Dec. 2004.
“Regulation on the Safety of NPP Design (PAK/911) (Rev.1)â€, Statutory Notification, Government of Pakistan, 11th Jan. 2002.
“Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Operationâ€, Safety Series, NS-R-2, IAEA, Vienna, 2001.
“Regulation on the Safety of Nuclear Power Plant Operation (PAK/913) (Rev.1)â€, Statutory Notification, Government of Pakistan, 14 December 2004.