Pakistan begins construction of its largest nuclear power plant today

Pakistan has officially started building its largest nuclear power plant, the Chashma Nuclear Power Project Unit-5 (C-5), on December 30 (today).

A ceremony marked the occasion with the pouring of concrete into the foundation slab of the 1,200 MW power plant, signifying the formal start of construction. High-ranking officials from both Pakistan and China attended the event to witness the milestone.

This development follows the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) granting a construction license for the project, based on an application submitted by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in April, which included a preliminary safety assessment report.

According to a report by Pak Observer, PAEC currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 3,530 MW. Like the existing facilities, C-5 is being developed in collaboration with China, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

The Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) site already hosts four operational plants: C-1 and C-2, each with a capacity of 325 MW, and C-3 and C-4, each producing 340 MW. Once operational, C-5 will add 1,200 MW to the national grid.

It is noteworthy that the ground-breaking ceremony for C-5 took place earlier this year on July 14.