The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has granted a construction license for Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (C-5).
Earlier in April, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) submitted the application for the C-5 construction license.
The application included a Preliminary Safety Assessment Report (PSAR) and detailed documentation on nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, waste management, and nuclear security. Following an exhaustive review to ensure compliance with both national and international standards, the PNRA approved the license on December 26, 2024.
C-5 is an advanced third-generation Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) based on the Chinese Hualong (HPR1000) design. It features state-of-the-art active and passive safety mechanisms, including double-shell containment and a reactor-filtered venting system.
With a design lifespan of 60 years, C-5 is the third reactor of its kind in Pakistan, following the successful operation of the K-2 and K-3 reactors in Karachi. Once operational, it will become Pakistan’s largest nuclear power plant, with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
