PAKISTAN – ENERGY
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, visited the under-construction Chashma Power Plant Unit 5.
He described Pakistan’s nuclear power generation program as “one of the most successful nuclear power generation programs.”
He emphasized the role of nuclear power in promoting more sustainable and decarbonized electricity generation. He also inaugurated a radioactive waste incinerator at Chashma.
In December 2024, Pakistan commenced the construction of the Chashma Nuclear Power Project Unit-5 (C-5), which has a capacity to produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, according to the Ministry of Planning and Development.
The addition of C-5, with a capacity of 1,200 MW, will further enhance the contribution of nuclear energy, solidifying its position as a “cornerstone of Pakistan’s energy strategy.”
Pakistan’s nuclear power plants, including the four operational units at Chashma (C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4) and the two at Karachi, contribute over 3,530 MW to the national grid.
This constitutes a significant share of the country’s clean and green electricity, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and lowering energy costs, the government believes.
According to Ahsan Iqbal, a key objective of the plan is to transform Pakistan into a techno-economy, driven by innovation and technological excellence, stressing the need to explore joint ventures between Pakistan and China for the design, development, and production of nuclear power plants for the international market.
“Such collaborations will position Pakistan and China as leaders in global nuclear energy solutions while unlocking new economic opportunities.” – ERMD
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