Pak-China strengthen energy cooperation with C-5 nuclear plant project

December 30, 2024 (MLN): The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), showcasing a strong bond of friendship between Pakistan and China.

The addition of C-5, the largest and most advanced Nuclear Power Plant in the country, will contribute 1200 MW of clean and economical energy to the national grid, according to the press release issued today.

This will increase nuclear energy capacity to 4760 MW and significantly boost socio-economic development.

Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives stated that the C-5 project bears testimony to the Pak-China friendship and will create thousands of jobs for the people of Pakistan during its execution.

The project will also provide clean electricity to the national grid at cheap rates, he added.

He further said that it is the need of the hour that Pakistan should strive to become a techno-economy.

The project started by the Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 14 Jul 2023, made steady progress and moved on to the formal construction phase with the start of concrete pouring.

Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of PAEC outlined the contributions of nuclear power being a clean and economical source of energy and stressed its importance for the country's energy security.

Pakistan's journey in the field of nuclear power is the high point of Pak-China cooperation which dates back to the decade of 1990s.

All the six nuclear power plants currently operating in the country have been constructed with Chinese assistance.

The minister lauded the steady progress made by the PAEC in the use of nuclear technology for providing ideal baseload electricity to the energy mix in the form of nuclear power. 

The minister also lauded Pak-China cooperation and commended the efforts of everyone involved in the construction of C-5.

He appreciated PAEC for its immaculate safety record, which bears testimony to its commitment to global responsibilities regarding nuclear safety, environmental protection, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The landmark event was graced by Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Chinese Ambassador, Jiang Zaidong, and other Chinese and Pakistani dignitaries.

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