Pakistan’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile development projects have often raised concerns at the global level, with international bodies highlighting the threats they pose to regional and global security. Superpowers, including the United States, have frequently imposed sanctions on entities contributing to these programs in an effort to curb their expansion.

Despite these concerns, Pakistan continues to enhance its nuclear capabilities. In a significant development, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has approved the construction of the country’s largest nuclear power facility, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5). The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has issued the required license for the construction of this new facility, which will have a power generation capacity of at least 1,200 MWe.

According to details provided by the PNRA, the PAEC submitted its application for the construction license in April this year. The approval of the C-5 project marks a major milestone, making it the largest nuclear electricity-producing plant in Pakistan, further advancing the country's nuclear energy ambitions.

The application included a comprehensive Preliminary Safety Assessment Report along with other relevant documents, detailing the design, radiation protection, waste management, nuclear safety, emergency preparedness and nuclear security. “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 Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) will feature a third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor based on the Chinese Hualong design. This advanced reactor incorporates a double-shell containment structure and a reactor-filtered venting system, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency. With a lifespan of at least 60 years, the reactor represents a significant step forward in Pakistan's nuclear energy capabilities.

It is worth noting that the Chinese Hualong design has already been implemented in two existing nuclear power plants in Pakistan. The addition of C-5 will make the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant the third facility in the country to adopt this state-of-the-art technology, further solidifying the partnership between Pakistan and China in the field of nuclear energy development.

“Karachi Nuclear Power Plant units 2 and 3, are already operating successfully and adding electricity to the national grid,” stated PNRA in a communique.

The total cost of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) has been approved at $3.7 billion by the executive committee of the National Economic Council. This marks a significant investment in Pakistan's energy sector, aimed at addressing the country’s growing electricity demands.

Currently, Pakistan's installed nuclear energy capacity stands at approximately 3,530 MW, contributing to around 27% of the nation's energy needs. The Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS) site already hosts four operational units: C-1 and C-2, each producing 325 MW, and C-3 and C-4, each generating 340 MW.

With the addition of C-5, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant will become the largest nuclear facility in Pakistan, boasting an electricity generation capacity of at least 1,200 MW. Experts have lauded the project as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, further advancing Pakistan's nuclear energy ambitions.

“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.