PAKISTAN’S energy sector reached a critical milestone on Monday with the commencement of construction work on the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), marking a transformative moment in the country’s energy journey. The formal start of the concrete pouring process signifies the beginning of what will be our largest and most advanced nuclear power project to date.
The Chashma C-5 project is set to add 1,200 MW of clean, efficient, and reliable electricity to our national grid, increasing the country’s total nuclear power capacity to 4,760 MW. Nuclear power offers numerous benefits — it is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, ensuring a steady and low-carbon electricity supply. The collaboration between Pakistan and China in the field of nuclear energy is a testament to the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries. This partnership, which dates back to the 1990s, has seen the successful completion of all six nuclear power plants currently operational in Pakistan. The commencement of C-5 is therefore not just a step forward in terms of infrastructure, but also an affirmation of the decades-long, mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and China. Nuclear energy, as part of our broader energy mix, offers immense potential for energy security.
Nuclear power, with its ability to provide large-scale, uninterrupted power generation, can address many of the challenges the country faces. By investing in nuclear energy, we can reduce vulnerability to price fluctuations, enhance energy independence and create a more stable energy future. Moreover, with a growing population and increasing industrialization, the demand for electricity is only set to rise. In this context, expanding nuclear capacity becomes not just a priority but a necessity. Hence we believe that the successful completion of C-5 will lay the groundwork for more nuclear power plants in the years to come. The confidence in the project’s timely completion is high, given Pakistan’s experience in nuclear energy and China’s steadfast support.
