Abstract
The term “energy,” means “the ability to do work.” To achieve this “ability” mankind has explored a wide variety of energy sources, broadly categorized as renewable and non-renewable sources. In the twenty-first century the worldwide demand for energy is growing rapidly and known reserves of fossil fuel are quickly dying out. Renewable resources have not been utilized to their full extent due to economic and technological constraints. This scarcity of energy resources is affecting social development and economic growth around the globe. Furthermore scarce energy resources, their rising prices, insufficient supply , unequal distribution and increasing demand has become a threat to human security and survival as it is leading the mankind towards crisis. This can even result in violent conflicts, as control over energy resources has become a major policy of super powers of the world, e.g. invasion of Iraq.
Since the end of twentieth century the magnitude of environmental threats has increased tremendously;1 and “environmental security” concerns have occupied a centre stage in all decisions made for the future of energy security. The above mentioned arguments have raised many questions regarding the nature of sources of energy which would be available to mankind in future. Therefore, the following attributes are expected from the future sources of energy. The sources should be reliable, sustainable, environment friendly and cost effective. They should be relatively safe from market turmoil. They should be easily accessible to all rich and poor, and countries and regions for an equal growth. Among available resources of energy nuclear energy is one of the cleanest and efficient source, and has the potential to become a dominant source of future energy. Although there are problems and concerns related to its dual-use; its proliferation for weapons development; its transportation, safety, and storage, but nuclear energy sector is and will continue to play a prominent role in future.
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