Nuclear energy is conceived as a cheap and safe source of energy production with lower carbon footprints and climate risk. Since 1950, commercial nuclear power plants have been in operation in many countries. At the present time nuclear energy contributes to 9% of global energy production with 440 active reactors in more than 50 countries. Pakistan is also among those countries with 6 active conventional reactors, generating 3262 MWe. But the cost of conventional nuclear reactors is much bigger with its requisites. A large area of land, around 640 acres, should be located in close proximity to seashores or water bodies for cooling and avoiding environmental impacts of nuclear waste.

Conversely, the latest idea of nuclear reactors, the Small Module Reactors (SMRs), are cost-efficient and easy to install

Conversely, the latest idea of nuclear reactors, the Small Module Reactors (SMRs), are cost-efficient and easy to install. With no specific requisites and climate impact factors. One can build an SMR on a mere 34 acres, without the need for a coastal area. These small grid units can be built and deployed in remote areas due to their flexibility. The generating capacity of SMRs is up to 300 MWe with a long-term refueling interval. SMRs are a real game changer regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy; they are cost-effective, flexible, and much safer in terms of their security.

Currently, SMR is yet in the emerging phase with research and development stages; only Russia and China each have operational SMRs. “Akademik Lomonosov” The world’s first floating nuclear power plant with two modules of 35 MW built on a ship. The size and flexibility of the reactor allows it to mobilize in remote areas where electricity cannot be transmitted and generate power for 200,000 Russians with just a ship-sized infrastructure.

China also has one operational SMR the “Linglong One” located in Hainan province. This module reactor can generate power for more than 500,000 people

China also has one operational SMR the “Linglong One” located in Hainan province. This module reactor can generate power for more than 500,000 people. The impressive fact is this SMR can reduce COâ‚‚ emissions equivalent to 880,000 tons. With the climate impact, it can help the environment equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees, touching on the clean, peaceful use of nuclear energy.

However, more than 15 countries are developing SMRs. The US, UK, and Canada are still in the developmental phase and will probably start operations in the future, followed by Russia and China. The idea of SMR is floating in many countries amidst increasing demand for clean and cheaper electricity. Particularly the countries where a large part of electricity is generated by fossil fuels. Considering the impacts of burning hydrocarbons on climate and the global demand for replacing fossil fuels for energy production.

SMRs are a milestone in nuclear energy; they are factory assembled, and their prefabricated modules can be transported to remote areas where large facilities cannot be built

Pakistan faces a severe energy crisis, particularly in urban and remote areas where energy production is a big challenge. The technical and domestic complications possess major restraints for the installation of facilities in areas where energy demand is not met. Six active reactors in Pakistan generate 15% of energy capacity. Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels and hydropower results in an unstable energy supply due to a lack of water management systems and hydrocarbon imports. Knowing the fact that Pakistan is a climate-vulnerable country and energy insecurity is also escalating each year with consumption and cost. SMRs are a milestone in nuclear energy; they are factory assembled, and their prefabricated modules can be transported to remote areas where large facilities cannot be built. Russia and China are leading in SMR development.

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) can collaborate with Russian Atomic Corporation (ROSATOM) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in the development and deployment of SMR

Pakistan can seek collaboration in the energy sector with both countries for the upgrading of nuclear infrastructure. The technical and strategic collaboration can help Pakistan to fill the energy gap with cheap and feasible ways. Pakistan possesses the technical capability of nuclear energy with existing and operational infrastructure. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) can collaborate with Russian Atomic Corporation (ROSATOM) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in the development and deployment of SMR. It will boost Pakistan’s peaceful use of nuclear technology program.

SMRs are groundbreaking; their low cost and flexibility have revolutionized nuclear energy. This technology can uplift the energy sector of Pakistan with pilot SMRs in remote areas

SMRs are groundbreaking; their low cost and flexibility have revolutionized nuclear energy. This technology can uplift the energy sector of Pakistan with pilot SMRs in remote areas. The development of SMR has to pass many obstacles. The finance, regulatory arrangements, and license of SMR could be a subject of international recognition from the IAEA, the NPT, or the IMF. Yet, Pakistan can initiate cooperation in this area to enhance its power generation capacity by adopting modern energy production methods.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.