It seems that policy makers of Pakistan are now considering further diversifying the energy generation mix under the flagship project of the CPEC and start construction of its largest Nuclear Power Plant 1200MW at the cost of US$3.7 billion at Chashma Mianwali would be a value addition. It is a good omen that these facilities are monitored and regulated by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), ensuring compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards.
The rapidly emerging geopolitical and geostrategic scenarios are compelling the policy makers to further broaden energy production mitigating unilateral sanctions on its peaceful nuclear program. The new project will address the country’s growing electricity demands, ensuring a continuous base-load supply of electricity, reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Strategically, the coordination between Pakistan and China on Unit-5 vividly reflects ongoing sincere efforts under the CPEC Phase 2.0 including several infrastructure and energy-related projects. C-5 expects to contribute to economic growth and development by strengthening energy infrastructure in the country.
The Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, rightly termed the Chashma Nuclear Power Project Unit-5 (C-5) a ‘milestone,’ reflecting the strength of Pakistan-China cooperation and reaffirming the commitment of both nations to sustainable development and energy security. Thus start and construction of this mega project will further strengthen the country’s national capacity in terms of diversification of energy production, efficiency and security essential for achieving the stability and sustainability of the macro-economy.
Interestingly, the first concrete pouring ceremony of Unit-5 (C-5) was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, Lt Gen. Yusuf Jamal, Ambassador of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Vice President of CNNC Zhang Kai, Federal Secretaries and delegates from China clearly demonstrating close liaison among various stakeholders jointly working for the further diversification of energy resources in the country.
Additionally, the said mega project of nuclear energy is aligned with the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan, focusing on efficient, affordable and green energy solutions. Thus it is indeed a giant step towards green transformation caring about the ecology and environment, gradually trimming worse effects of global warming in the country.
According to many published reports and articles the new energy project will add 1,200 MW of clean energy by 2030, boosting Pakistan’s energy capacity, hopefully addressing the country’s persistent problem of electricity shortages while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It will be a big boost to the country’s macro-economy labeled as import based economy.
Obviously, China being an iron-clad brother is helping to build this mega project. The Chashma-5 nuclear power project, which is expected to be completed and ready for operation by 2030. Moreover, it will increase nuclear energy to 4,760 MW and boost socio-economic development in the country. It is a testament to enduring Pak-China friendship and a giant step towards a techno-economy to meet the challenges of the modern era.
The Chinese Ambassador Zaidong delivered a keynote speech highlighting Chashma-5’s significant impact, noting that during its peak construction phase, it could generate 40,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. He praised Pakistan’s unique advantages regarding location, language and human resources, emphasizing a close liaison with China’s expertise in technology, capital, and market experience and led to both countries jointly exploring opportunities in third-party markets.
The Chinese Ambassador also projected China’s leading role in Pakistan’s FDI reaching up to 41 percent of total direct investment over the past five months despite global economic challenges reflecting the vitality and potential of market-driven cooperation between the two countries.
The Chashma-5 nuclear power project is a major commercial nuclear facility located in Chashma, near Mianwali in Punjab. The facility plays a key role in industrial energy production and operates under the strict monitoring and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Hopefully, once operational, the new facility will significantly increase Pakistan’s energy supply, helping to address the country’s persistent electricity shortages. Comparative studies reveal that over the past 30 years, Beijing has installed four nuclear power generation units at Chashma, collectively producing around 1,300 megawatts. China supplies enriched uranium for fuel.
Technically, the C-5 unit will incorporate a third-generation Chinese Hualong pressurized water reactor equipped with advanced active and passive safety systems. Its key features include a double-shell containment structure and a reactor-filtered venting system, ensuring the highest safety standards. With a lifespan of 60 years, the plant is set to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s long-term energy sustainability. Furthermore, once operational, the project is expected to produce a substantial amount of clean and reliable energy, bolstering Pakistan’s efforts to address chronic power shortages and meet its growing electricity demands.
The plant is equipped with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology and is designed to adhere to international nuclear safety and security standards. Nuclear energy currently contributes 8 percent to Pakistan’s grid, and the addition of C-5 will boost this share, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, China has engaged in civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan since 1987, five years before China joined the NPT as a nuclear-weapon state. Beijing has long claimed and upheld that its nuclear exports to Islamabad are grandfathered under NSG guidelines. Thus it is not posing any threat to any regional country as labeled by most of the Indian mass media.
C-5 is a nuclear energy mega project of a clean, efficient, and cost-effective source of electricity that can reduce Pakistan’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels while supporting socio economic development. It would be a strategic key to diversifying Pakistan’s energy mix, reducing reliance on imported fuels, and lowering carbon emissions, thus supporting long-term economic stability and environmental sustainability.
The start of its construction emphasizes the adoption of renewable energy sources, including hydropower and nuclear energy, to reduce fossil fuel reliance and mitigate climate change. Additionally, expanding nuclear energy capacity, demonstrating further diversification of green energy vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fulfilling international clean energy commitments.
The imbalanced geopolitical factors are badly damaging energy security because of ongoing deadly conflicts in the Middle East, Black Sea and Eastern Europe placing immense pressure on Pakistan’s budget thus it is the need of hour switching over from fossil energy to sustainable, greener cleaner and cheaper sources of energy of nuclear energy.
Thus C-5 construction is a right step in the right direction diversifying national energy mix, securing energy security and protecting ecology, environment by reducing carbon footprints and inching towards carbon neutrality in the days to come. It is indeed a master stroke of geo-politics and geo-economics.
