Pakistan Approves Construction of Its Largest Nuclear Power Plant
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Islamabad, Dec 30 (NationPress) Pakistan’s nuclear initiatives and its ballistic missile development projects have faced scrutiny numerous times from international bodies, highlighting the potential threats they pose to both the region and the wider global community. This has led to sanctions from superpowers, including the US, targeting entities involved in these programs. Nevertheless, Islamabad continues to bolster its nuclear capabilities, having granted approval for the construction of its largest nuclear power plant.
Recently, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has received the green light and a license to build the nation’s largest nuclear facility, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5). The license, issued by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), permits the construction of C-5, which is expected to have a minimum capacity of 1200 MWe. With this approval, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant is set to become the largest generator of nuclear electricity in the country.
According to information released by PNRA, PAEC submitted its license application in April of this year. This application included a detailed Preliminary Safety Assessment Report alongside other pertinent documents that addressed aspects such as design, radiation protection, waste management, nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and nuclear security.
“Following a comprehensive review and satisfaction of regulatory prerequisites aligned with relevant national and international standards, the license was granted,” PNRA reported.
The construction of the C-5 project features a third-generation Pressurized Water Reactor based on the Chinese Hualung design. It incorporates a double-shell containment system and a reactor-filtered venting mechanism, boasting a lifespan of at least 60 years.
It is noteworthy that the Chinese Hualung design for C-5 has already been successfully utilized in two other nuclear power plants in Pakistan, making this the third implementation at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.
“The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant units 2 and 3 are currently operational and contributing electricity to the national grid,” PNRA mentioned in a statement.
The total investment for the C-5 project has been set at $3.7 billion and has received approval from the executive committee of the National Economic Council.
Pakistan’s existing nuclear energy capacity stands at approximately 3,530 MW, fulfilling around 27 percent of the nation's energy needs.
The Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) is already home to two operational Nuclear Power Plants generating at least 325 MW from C-1 & C-2, and 340 MW from C-3 & C-4. With the addition of C-5, this facility will become the largest in the country, providing an electricity generation capacity of at least 1,200 MW.
Experts express optimism regarding this development, deeming it both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
“Nuclear energy is considered safe due to the robust active and passive safety mechanisms in place at the plants, ensures energy security and year-round availability, and is economical as it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, emitting zero carbon,” they remarked.
