ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China achieved another major breakthrough in their decades-long nuclear energy ties, completing crucial construction milestone at 1,200MW Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant ahead of schedule, bringing Pakistan one step closer to a stronger, more reliable energy future.
The successful installation of reactor containment dome, completed ahead of schedule, marks breakthrough in the multibillion-dollar project being developed through cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, attended a high-profile ceremony at the Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station to celebrate the achievement. Senior Chinese officials, representatives of relevant institutions and other dignitaries also participated in the event, during which the prime minister and field marshal marked the milestone through a ceremonial button-pressing.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) credited the progress to the coordinated efforts of Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and construction workers, who completed the important stage earlier than planned.
Chashma-5 project is expected to begin generating electricity in September 2030, significantly expanding Pakistan’s nuclear power production capacity. Once commissioned, the 1,200MW facility will become the country’s largest individual nuclear reactor, surpassing the capacity of existing nuclear units. The project was launched in July 2023, while major construction activities moved forward following regulatory clearance in late 2024.
The pouring of the first concrete in December 2024 marked the formal beginning of the reactor’s principal construction phase. Although some earlier projections suggested that the plant could become operational in 2028, the latest project timeline places the expected start of electricity generation in September 2030. The newly completed dome installation is particularly important because the containment structure forms a critical protective barrier around the reactor, designed to enhance safety during normal operations and potential emergencies.
The completion of Chashma-5 could substantially strengthen Pakistan’s nuclear energy sector. At present, the country operates six nuclear power reactors with a combined installed gross capacity of approximately 3,530MW. Four of these reactors are located at the Chashma complex in Mianwali, while the remaining two operate at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant.
With the addition of Chashma-5, Pakistan’s total nuclear power capacity is projected to reach approximately 4,730MW. This shows increase of nearly 34% over the existing installed nuclear capacity, making the project one of the country’s most significant nuclear energy expansions. The development could also strengthen nuclear power’s contribution to national electricity production, particularly during periods when generation from other sources becomes less reliable.
Pakistan’s nuclear power stations already play considerably larger role in electricity generation than their share of installed capacity might suggest. Although nuclear energy accounts for approximately 8.6% of the country’s installed power capacity, it contributes around 16.6% of total electricity generation.
During winter, this share reportedly climbed to nearly 26%, showing importance of nuclear facilities when generation from other energy sources fluctuates. Nuclear power stations can operate continuously for extended periods, providing a comparatively stable electricity supply regardless of changing weather conditions.
Beyond expanding generation capacity, the project could offer long-term economic benefits for Pakistan, which continues to face pressure from imported energy costs. Nuclear electricity generation requires substantial initial investment, but its relatively predictable fuel expenses and long operational life can provide advantages over some conventional thermal power plants.
Chashma-5 could also contribute to Pakistan’s efforts to expand low-carbon electricity generation. The country’s existing nuclear power plants are estimated to prevent approximately 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually by reducing the need for fossil-fuel-based electricity production.
The new facility will use China’s third-generation Hualong One nuclear reactor technology, also known as HPR1000. The pressurized water reactor incorporates advanced safety features, including systems designed to operate through both active intervention and passive safety mechanisms. This technology is also being used at Pakistan’s Karachi K-2 and K-3 nuclear power units.
Chashma-5 will expand an existing nuclear complex that already houses four operational Chinese-assisted reactors. The project, situated near the Indus River in Punjab’s Mianwali district, is supported largely through Chinese financing, with its previously reported value estimated at approximately $4.8 billion.
Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 makes continuous operation record
