MIANWALI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed the Chashma-5 (C-5) Nuclear Power Plant a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, describing nuclear power as a source of clean, reliable and affordable electricity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The prime minister was speaking at a ceremony marking the successful placement of the dome at the C-5 nuclear power plant near Mianwali. The milestone marks the completion of major civil construction work and the beginning of internal construction and equipment installation.
According to a government press release, the 1,200-megawatt (MW) nuclear power project is expected to begin commercial electricity generation in September 2030. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) described the dome placement as a major achievement in the project’s construction.
Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said the structure represented more than concrete and steel, calling it a promise of clean, dependable and affordable electricity for the country.
He said nuclear power offered an advantage over energy sources dependent on imported fuels and weather conditions, providing a consistent electricity supply for industries, hospitals and other essential services around the clock.
The prime minister emphasised that Pakistan, being highly vulnerable to climate change, must pursue energy solutions that support economic development while protecting the environment.
Recalling the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2023, he said the project had achieved the dome-placement milestone in less than three-and-a-half years and ahead of schedule. He expressed confidence that construction would continue at the same pace, enabling the plant to be commissioned before its scheduled timeline.
PM Shehbaz appreciated the contributions of Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and workers involved in the project. He also thanked Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his support in advancing the country’s socio-economic development.
The prime minister acknowledged China’s assistance in developing C-5, describing Pakistan-China cooperation in the nuclear energy sector as a reflection of the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. He extended his gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and the China Atomic Energy Authority for their continued support.
He said Pakistan must utilise its available resources, technology and human capital to achieve energy independence, economic strength and environmental resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted the contribution of nuclear energy to Pakistan’s energy security, particularly through the provision of reliable and low-carbon electricity.
According to the press release issued by the Press Information Department (PID), Pakistan’s existing nuclear power plants have a combined generation capacity of 3,530MW and are estimated to prevent around 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Dr Anwar said nuclear energy accounted for approximately 16.6 percent of Pakistan’s total electricity generation despite representing only 8.6 percent of its installed power generation capacity. Its contribution reportedly increased to around 26 percent during the winter season.
The Chashma-5 project will become Pakistan’s seventh nuclear power plant developed with Chinese assistance, further expanding the country’s nuclear energy capacity and supporting its efforts to diversify the electricity mix with reliable, low-carbon generation.
