Building a better tomorrow

Pakistan has started constructing its largest nuclear power plant, with a capacity of 1,170 MWe, in Chashma District, Mianwali. The project, CHASNUPP-5 (C-5), is being built with Chinese credit at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion and is scheduled to commence commercial operations by 2030. Upon completion, Pakistan’s cumulative nuclear energy production will reach 4,700 MWe. The commissioning of C-5 will bolster Pakistan’s energy security and foster national economic development.

The agreement for the construction of C-5 was signed between Pakistan and China on November 21, 2017. However, its commencement faced delays due to various reasons. Ultimately, a $4.8 billion deal was finalized with China in July 2023, followed by the project's ground-breaking on July 14, 2023. The executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved this critical project in August 2023.

Nuclear power generation has been a significant component of Pakistan's energy mix for three decades, with substantial collaboration from China. With a growing population and increasing energy demands, Pakistan has sought to diversify its energy sources, and nuclear power plays a crucial role in this strategy. Pakistan's nuclear power journey began in the 1970s under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), leading to significant advancements in nuclear power plant development to meet the country's energy needs. The PAEC has established two clusters for nuclear power plants: Chashma Nuclear Power Generation Station and Karachi Nuclear Power Generation Station.

Currently, Pakistan operates six nuclear power plants:

1. CHASNUPP-1: Located near Mianwali, Punjab, began commercial operation in 2000 with a capacity of 325 MWe.

2. CHASNUPP-2: Commenced in 2011, with a capacity of 325 MWe.

3. CHASNUPP-3: Started in 2016, with a capacity of 340 MWe.

4. CHASNUPP-4: Began operations in 2017, with a capacity of 340 MWe.

KANUPP-2 and KANUPP-3: Located at the old KANUPP site in Karachi, each with a gross capacity of 1,100 MWe, commenced commercial operations in May 2021 and April 2022, respectively. During the last week of May 2024, the nuclear power generated electricity at its full capacity of 3,530 MWe, registering over 17 per cent share in total electricity produced from all sources and available in the national grid.

All these power plants use pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, which is generally employed worldwide. The latest units in Karachi are based on advanced Hualong One technology (HPR 1000), developed by China, with 17 units currently under construction in China and one in England. The under-construction C-5 also uses HPR 1000 technology, featuring increased output, advanced safety, and fool-proof security measures.

These nuclear power plants significantly contribute to Pakistan's electricity generation, providing a stable and reliable energy source to the national grid. Nuclear power offers several advantages for Pakistan's energy sector, such as:

1. Baseload Electricity Source: Provides a stable supply of power to meet the country's growing energy demands, crucial for industrial growth, urbanization, and improving living standards.

2. Energy Security: Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and mitigating the impact of volatile global oil and gas prices.

3. Environmental Benefits: Produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power plants, aiding Pakistan's efforts to combat climate change and fulfill international commitments like the Paris Agreement.

However, nuclear power generation in Pakistan faces challenges. One is that of safety and security: ensuring safe operation, preventing accidents, and managing radioactive waste are paramount. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) addresses these challenges through continuous investment in training, technology, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight. The plan also puts an impetus on nuclear technology indigenization that will progressively reduce import dependence and nuclear energy cost. All the nuclear power plants in Pakistan are being operated under the safety, security and reliability guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Second is public perception: addressing public concerns about nuclear power through transparency, education, and effective communication is vital for fostering trust and acceptance.

Looking ahead, Pakistan's nuclear power generation future appears promising yet challenging. The government is committed to expanding nuclear energy capacity to meet growing electricity demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Plans for additional nuclear power plants are underway, aiming to provide reliable, affordable, and clean energy. The PNRA has conducted detailed site studies for future nuclear power plants, including projects M-1 and M-2 at Muzaffargarh, another cluster for nuclear power generation under development.

Nuclear power generation plays a vital role in Pakistan's energy mix, offering a stable, reliable, and low-carbon electricity source. Pakistan remains dedicated to expanding its nuclear energy capacity to meet growing electricity demand and enhance energy security. With strategic planning, investment, and international cooperation, mainly with China, Pakistan can harness nuclear power's potential to drive sustainable development and address future energy challenges.

TAILPIECE: As China turns to nuclear power to meet carbon emission goals, it has developed a fourth-generation 200 MWe nuclear reactor designed to use fuel more efficiently and improve its economics, safety, and environmental footprint. This fourth-generation reactor, the first globally, is part of the Shidao Bay (Shidaowan) nuclear power plant located in China’s Shandong province since December 2023.

The writer is a retired chairman of the State Engineering Corporation, and former member (PT) of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.