Islamabad has given the go-ahead for the construction of its largest nuclear power facility, marking another step forward in the country’s pursuit of expanding its nuclear capabilities. Despite global concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has received approval for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5).
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) recently issued a licence for C-5, enabling the construction of the power plant with a capacity of at least 1,200 MWe. This addition will make the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant the largest electricity-producing facility in the country.
According to the PNRA, PAEC submitted its application for the licence in April this year. The application included a Preliminary Safety Assessment Report along with documents addressing nuclear safety, radiation protection, waste management, emergency preparedness, and security measures.
“After a thorough review and assessment of and fulfilment of regulatory requirements in compliance with the relevant national and international standards, the licence was issued,” stated PNRA.
The C-5 project will feature a third-generation Pressurized Water Reactor of Chinese Hualung design. It will include advanced safety mechanisms, such as a double-shell containment and reactor-filtered venting system, ensuring a lifespan of at least 60 years.
This marks the third nuclear power plant in Pakistan utilizing the Hualung design, following the successful operation of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant units 2 and 3.
The construction of C-5 is projected to cost $3.7 billion, with funding already approved by the executive committee of the National Economic Council. When operational, the unit will significantly boost Pakistan’s nuclear energy capacity, which currently stands at 3,530 MW, supplying about 27% of the country’s energy needs.
The Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) site already hosts multiple nuclear units, generating 325 MW from C-1 and C-2 and 340 MW from C-3 and C-4. Adding C-5 will elevate its total capacity by at least 1,200 MW.
Experts have described nuclear energy as a cost-effective and environment-friendly solution.
“Nuclear energy is safe in terms of the robust active and passive mechanisms installed at the plants, reliable for ensuring energy security and round-the-year availability, economical in terms of being cost-effective as well as environment-friendly for emitting zero carbon,” they said.
(IANS)