Pakistan achieves major milestone in Chashma Nuclear Power Plant expansion
Islamabad: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has reached a major milestone in the ongoing construction of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5), further strengthening the country’s energy security and symbolizing the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
Regarded as the most advanced and largest nuclear power plant project in the country’s history, the Chashma C-5 unit officially entered the construction phase following its groundbreaking by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 14, 2023. The plant is expected to be operational by 2030, adding 1,200 megawatts of clean, affordable, and base-load electricity to the national grid.
According to officials, this development is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels by diversifying the energy mix and incorporating more carbon-free sources. With the completion of C-5, the total contribution of nuclear power to the national grid is expected to exceed 4,700 megawatts.
Speaking on the project’s progress, Engineer Habib ur Rehman, the General Manager of the Chashma Nuclear Power Complex, highlighted the economic and environmental significance of nuclear energy. He described it as a carbon-neutral, cost-effective solution that aligns with Pakistan’s long-term vision for energy sustainability. He added that nuclear power, with its reliability and affordability, is a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to meet growing energy demands without further straining environmental resources.
In addition to energy security, the project is poised to contribute to the national economy in multiple ways. Officials estimate that thousands of jobs will be created during the construction and operational phases, while local industries are also expected to benefit from ancillary development. Training programs are reportedly being designed to build technical capacity among the local workforce, further embedding the project’s value into the country’s socio-economic fabric.
The initiative has been widely recognized as a testament to the growing energy cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing under the broader framework of strategic bilateral projects. The Chashma C-5 unit is not only set to meet Pakistan’s increasing electricity needs but also plays a crucial role in supporting the global transition toward low-carbon energy alternatives.
With steady progress and high-level oversight, the project remains on track to become a landmark in Pakistan’s energy landscape.