Pakistan Achieves Major Milestone with Chashma-5 Nuclear Plant Dome Placement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnesses construction milestone as the 1,200MW project strengthens Pakistan’s clean energy and power security ambitions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attends the dome placement ceremony at the Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has achieved a major construction milestone with the successful placement of the dome at the Chashma-5 (C-5) Nuclear Power Plant.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as chief guest. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, also attended alongside Chinese officials and senior representatives of relevant organisations.
The milestone marks significant progress in the construction of the nuclear power project at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant site.
PM Praises Pakistan-China Cooperation
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and workers for completing the construction milestone ahead of schedule.
He described the C-5 project as a demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to clean and emissions-free electricity generation.
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The prime minister also appreciated China’s contribution to the project. He said the ceremony reaffirmed the longstanding Pakistan-China all-weather friendship and their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation.
He stressed the need to harness national resources and human capital to build a stronger economy, ensure energy security and promote environmental responsibility.
Nuclear Energy Strengthens Pakistan’s Power Security
In his opening remarks, the PAEC chairman highlighted nuclear power’s contribution to Pakistan’s energy security.
He said the country’s nuclear power plants currently generate 3,530 megawatts of electricity safely and efficiently. These plants also help avoid approximately 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
According to the chairman, nuclear energy accounts for around 16.6 per cent of Pakistan’s electricity generation despite representing only 8.6 per cent of installed power capacity.
Its contribution rises to approximately 26 per cent during winter, he added.
Chashma-5 to Generate 1,200MW
The Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant will have an installed generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
PAEC expects the plant to begin electricity generation in September 2030. Once operational, the facility will add to Pakistan’s nuclear power capacity and support the country’s long-term electricity requirements.
The successful dome placement represents an important step towards completing the project and expanding Pakistan’s low-carbon energy resources.
