Introduction of Nuclear Power Plants to Sri Lanka: National Growth and Security Perspectives

Abstract

Nuclear technology is a vibrant application in the power and energy sector all over the world. At present more than 450 nuclear power plants (NPP) are contributing more than one-tenth of electricity generation all over the world. However, few concerned the use of NPP as their power source. Being a developing country, the energy demand in Sri Lanka is everincreasing. Frequent power crises highlight the necessity of having reliable power sources to cater the base load of the country comfortably to achieve the national growth of the country. Nuclear power can be considered as one such alternative to introduce electricity mix for Sri Lanka. Other than the higher capital cost and complexity of technology, the nuclear safety, and security aspects are the other main concerns which negate the nuclear favour. Energy security is an element of national security and a prerequisite of the development process of a country due to the nexus between national security and national growth.