Pakistan’s Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Pakistan's 1,200MW Chashma-5 (C-5) nuclear power plant has reached a significant construction milestone with the placement of its reactor dome, ahead of schedule and less than three and a half years after work began. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the dome placement ceremony in Mianwali, alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chinese officials and senior representatives of the organizations involved.

The dome, which serves as the roof of the reactor building housing the reactor and its main equipment, is expected to lead to the start of electricity generation in September 2030.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that C-5 would provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity, alleviating Pakistan's dependence on imported fuels and mitigating the impact of global price fluctuations. The nuclear energy currently contributes to around 16.6% of the country's electricity generation, although it only accounts for 8.6% of installed capacity.

This share increases to 26% during the winter months. The project could potentially be commissioned earlier than initially planned due to the rapid pace of construction since the groundbreaking in July 2023.

This nuclear power plant is the seventh unit that China has assisted Pakistan in constructing, and the prime minister expressed gratitude towards President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and the China National Nuclear Corporation. Additionally, the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is anticipated to create new economic opportunities for both nations.

Recently, Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a safeguards agreement for Chashma-5. Notably, Chashma-1 previously set a PAEC record of 427 days of uninterrupted operation.