The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has granted the construction license for Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (C-5), as stated in an official announcement.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) had applied for the C-5 license in April 2024, the statement revealed.
Once operational, the C-5 unit will become Pakistan’s largest nuclear power plant, boasting a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, according to the PNRA.
The authority emphasized its commitment to adhering to rigorous safety standards to ensure the safe utilization of nuclear energy.
The PNRA also reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the public from the harmful effects of radiation, the statement concluded.
Read More: FM Dar Calls for Aggressive Financing of Nuclear Energy Projects
In March 2024, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged multilateral development institutions to provide stronger financial support for nuclear energy initiatives.
Speaking in a video message after attending the First Nuclear Energy Summit, hosted by the Belgian government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dar noted that nuclear energy remains out of reach for many developing nations due to its high cost.
He highlighted that, after hydropower, nuclear energy is considered one of the safest and most cost-effective energy sources, urging the world, especially developing countries, to take full advantage of it.
The foreign minister shared that many leaders at the summit echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of financing from international financial institutions (IFIs) and multilateral bodies for these projects.
Dar praised the Belgian government and the IAEA for organizing the summit, calling it a significant step, particularly given Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, which has already caused substantial losses, including from the devastating floods of 2022.
He also noted that Pakistan had installed nuclear energy projects with a total capacity of around 3,000 MW and that the government was set to begin work on the Chashma Nuclear Plant-V following its approval by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.
The minister also recounted discussions with counterparts from Turkey, the UAE, and Belgium, as well as with China’s Vice Premier and the Director General of the IAEA.
Foreign Minister Dar expressed special thanks to Pakistan’s Ambassador in Brussels, Amna Baloch, and Aftab Khokhar in Vienna for their pivotal roles and support during the brief visit.
It is worth mentioning that FM Dar is currently in Brussels to attend the First Nuclear Energy Summit.
