Pakistan's Largest Nuclear Power Plant
Pakistan has received approval to construct its largest nuclear power plant, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), after the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) issued the construction licence. With a capacity of 1200 MWe, C-5 will be a significant addition to Pakistan’s nuclear energy infrastructure, contributing substantially to the country’s electricity supply.

Design and Safety Features of C-5
C-5 will be based on the advanced third-generation Hualong design, a type of Pressurised Water Reactor with both active and passive safety features. These include a double-shell containment and a reactor-filtered venting system, ensuring high standards of safety and reliability. The reactor has a lifespan of 60 years, and its design has already been proven in other successful plants in Pakistan, including Karachi Nuclear Power Plant units 2 and 3.

Economic Impact and Future of Nuclear Energy
The construction of the C-5 plant is expected to cost around USD 3.7 billion, with the plant being approved by the executive committee of the National Economic Council. Once operational, C-5 will significantly increase Pakistan's nuclear energy capacity, which currently stands at around 3,530 MW, contributing 27% of the national electricity grid. This project will play a key role in meeting Pakistan's growing energy needs.