Blitz Bureau
ISLAMABAD has given the go-ahead for the construction of its largest nuclear power facility. Despite global concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has received approval for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5).
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) recently issued a licence for C-5, enabling the construction of the power plant with a capacity of at least 1,200 MWe. This addition will make the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant the largest electricity-producing facility in the country. According to the PNRA, PAEC submitted its application for the licence in April this year. The application included a Preliminary Safety Assessment Report along with documents addressing nuclear safety, radiation protection, waste management, emergency preparedness, and security measures. “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 C-5 project will feature a thirdgeneration Pressurised Water Reactor of Chinese Hualung design. It will include advanced safety mechanisms, such as a double-shell containment and reactor-filtered venting system, ensuring a lifespan of at least 60 years. This marks the third nuclear power plant in Pakistan utilising the Hualung design, following the successful operation of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant units 2 and 3.
