Construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 commences
CHASHMA, MIANWALI: Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has reached a significant milestone in the construction of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5).
The journey began with the groundbreaking ceremony by the Honourable Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on July 14, 2023. Following steady progress, the project has now entered the formal construction phase with the commencement of concrete pouring. The event was attended by Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Jiang Zaidong, and other Chinese and Pakistani officials.Use of nuclear technology must for mitigating cotton sector’s heat-trapping emissions
Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, emphasized the role of nuclear power as a clean and cost-effective source of energy, highlighting its importance for the country’s energy security. Pakistan’s nuclear energy journey reflects the strong Pak-China cooperation, which began in the 1990s. All six nuclear power plants currently operational in the country have been built with Chinese assistance. The addition of C-5, the largest and most advanced nuclear power plant in the country, will provide an additional 1200 MW of clean and affordable energy to the national grid, increasing the total nuclear energy capacity to 4760 MW and further boosting socio-economic development.
In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Ahsan Iqbal stated that the C-5 project is a symbol of Pak-China friendship, expected to generate thousands of jobs during its construction and provide clean electricity at affordable rates. He emphasized that Pakistan should focus on becoming a techno-economy. The minister praised the PAEC for its steady progress in utilizing nuclear technology for reliable baseload electricity generation and acknowledged the importance of Pak-China cooperation. He also commended the efforts of all those involved in the C-5 construction and appreciated the PAEC’s impeccable safety record, which reflects its commitment to global nuclear safety, environmental protection, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
