IN what could be described yet another important milestone in their longstanding partnership, Pakistan and China on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to build a new unit of 1200 megawatts Chashma-5 (C-5) nuclear power project. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the Chinese investment in this project to the tune of $3.48 billion sends a loud and clear message that Pakistan is a place where Chinese companies and investors continue to show their trust and faith.
Given our energy crisis and increased reliance on imported fuel, the MOU signing for the establishment of another nuclear power plant in Chashma is an important step in the right direction and we hope there will be no delay in its execution. Nuclear energy is a viable and reliable option and an important source of electricity with zero carbon emissions besides being economically competitive. According to the C-5 agreement, the Chinese company will employ its HPR 1000 technology, known as HPR1000 or Hualong One, to construct the nuclear power unit. It will be the third facility in Pakistan to feature the HPR 1000, or pressurized water reactor technology. One of the primary advantages of this technology is its enhanced safety features including passive cooling mechanisms, advanced control systems and improved containment structures. These features provide a higher level of safety, ensuring greater resilience against potential accidents or external threats. Hualong One reactors also boast excellent efficiency and performance characteristics. We really appreciate the Chinese friends for introducing this modern technology in our nuclear plants. It will be unfair not to commend the efforts being put in by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) to enhance the generation of electricity through nuclear source. Those working in the PAEC are our silent heroes working diligently to achieve the target of generating 8,800 megawatt of electricity from this important source by the year 2030. At present the total installed capacity from nuclear source is 3,500 megawatt and the way the PAEC is pursuing the nuclear power projects in collaboration with China, we are confident that it will achieve the set target, which will be a great service to this nation to significantly reduce reliance on the expensive imported fuel. This is going to help the country save billions of dollars that it currently spends on import of fuel.
