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

Authors: Ahmad Mumtaz, Mansoor Hassan Khan Lodhi, Muhammad Saleem Ullah

Addresses: Applied Systems Analysis Division, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 1114, Islamabad, Pakistan. ' Applied Systems Analysis Division, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 1114, Islamabad, Pakistan. ' Applied Systems Analysis Division, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 1114, Islamabad, Pakistan

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.

Keywords: Pakistan; Afghanistan; economy; energy resources; electricity generation; nuclear power; nuclear energy; long-term future; environment; projections; population; socio-economic development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2008.019863

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2008 Vol.30 No.1/2/3/4, pp.204 - 227

Published online: 12 Aug 2008 *

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