Economics of nuclear power plants to the extent of 3.4 billion pounds. In general, coal and nuclear plants have the same types of operating costs (operations and maintenance plus fuel costs). However, nuclear has lower fuel costs but higher operating and maintenance costs. Nuclear plants require fissile fuel. Generally, the fuel used is uranium, although other materials may be used (See MOX fuel). In 2005, prices on the world market for uranium averaged US$20/lb (US$44.09/kg). On 2007-04-19, prices reached US$113/lb (US$249.12/kg). On 2008-07-02, the price had dropped to $59/lb. Fuel costs account for about 28% of a nuclear plant's operating expenses. As of 2013, half
Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex late 2010. Cost of the Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex (PNPFC) was originally estimated at Rs. 51.298 billion. The complex will fabricate fuel for local nuclear power plants, in particular for the reactors at Chashma Nuclear Power Plant. The Nuclear Power Fuel Facility comprises Chemical Processing Plants, Nuclear reprocessing plant, an Enrichment Plant, a Seamless Tube Plant; a Fuel Fabrication Plant; and a Nuclear Fuel Testing Facility. For information on Pakistani nuclear power reactors, see the articles Chashma Nuclear Power Plant and Karachi Nuclear Power Plant. Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex The Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex (PNPFC), also known