Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlights Pakistan fusion energy progress at the IAEA ministerial meeting in Rome

In a significant step for Pakistan’s scientific community, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), led the national delegation at the inaugural meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) held in Rome. The event brought together international leaders and experts to discuss advancements in fusion energy and collaborative research opportunities.

During the meeting, Dr Anwar highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to fusion energy research, emphasizing the country’s active involvement in developing cutting-edge technology for clean and sustainable energy solutions. He explained that Pakistan has been operating a fundamental research program focused on fusion energy, which has already led to the development of innovative systems, including one glass and two metallic Tokamaks, essential devices used in fusion experiments.

Dr. Anwar also shared that Pakistan is currently working on the design of a medium-sized Tokamak for research purposes, positioning the nation to contribute more substantially to the global fusion energy field. This endeavour reflects Pakistan’s commitment to exploring advanced technologies that address the energy needs of the future while ensuring environmental sustainability.

In a formal statement, the PAEC and the IAEA marked their collaboration through the signing of the Anchor Centre Agreement, an initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s fusion research capacity and fostering knowledge exchange with global institutions. Dr. Anwar signed the agreement on behalf of PAEC, while Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of IAEA, represented the international body.

The collaboration aligns with Pakistan’s strategic energy goals, as the nation seeks to enhance its energy infrastructure and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Fusion energy, a promising source with immense potential for sustainable power, could be a game-changer for Pakistan’s future energy landscape. Through participation in international platforms such as the IAEA’s World Fusion Energy Group, Pakistan aims to accelerate its progress in nuclear fusion and support global efforts toward clean energy innovation.