Islamabad, Dec 30: Pakistan’s nuclear energy sector has reached a significant milestone with the issuance of a licence to build its largest nuclear power plant, Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), set to generate 1,200 MWe of electricity.
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) granted the licence after a comprehensive review of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s (PAEC) application, which included critical safety, design, and operational assessments. The application also featured a Preliminary Safety Assessment Report, addressing key issues like radiation protection, emergency preparedness, and nuclear security.
C-5 will be an advanced third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) using the Chinese Hualong design, known for its high safety standards. The reactor will be equipped with both active and passive safety systems, such as a double-shell containment and a reactor-filtered venting system. The plant is expected to have a 60-year operational lifespan.
This project marks the third nuclear power plant in Pakistan to use the Hualong design, joining the successful operation of Karachi Nuclear Power Plants Units 2 and 3. The Chashma plant will significantly boost the country’s energy capacity, contributing to its growing nuclear power infrastructure.
The plant has been approved by Pakistan’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), with an estimated construction cost of $3.7 billion. Once operational, it will further strengthen Pakistan’s nuclear energy capacity, which currently stands at around 3,530 MW, accounting for approximately 27% of the nation’s total electricity generation.
This development marks a key step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear energy sector, ensuring a more diversified energy mix as the country continues to address its growing power demands.
