Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission completes dome placement at Chashma-5 nuclear plant
- C-5 project will have generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts
The Chashma-5 nuclear power plant in Pakistan reached a key construction milestone with its dome placement, promising 1,200 MW of clean electricity by 2030 and strengthening energy security.
- Pakistan's growing reliance on nuclear power for energy security.
- The 1,200 MW capacity and environmental benefits of Chashma-5.
- The strong Pak-China partnership in civil nuclear energy.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) had achieved a major milestone at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Generating Station with the successful dome placement of the Chashma-5 (C-5) Nuclear Power Plant, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Tuesday.
“C-5 Project is a manifestation of clean and emissions-free electricity generation in Pakistan,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at the ceremony also attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The C-5 project will have a generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW). The plant is expected to commence electricity generation in September 2030.
- Dome placement is a construction milestone in building a nuclear power plant. It refers to the installation of the large, dome-shaped roof of the reactor building, which houses the nuclear reactor and its associated equipment. In simple terms, it means the main reactor building has reached an important stage of structural completion.
PM Shehbaz highlighted that nuclear energy accounted for around 16.6% of the country’s electricity generation despite representing only 8.6% of its installed capacity, with its share of electricity generation rising to 26% during winter.
PAEC chairman highlighted that nuclear power continued to play an important role in Pakistan’s energy security, providing reliable and low-carbon electricity.
“Pakistan’s nuclear power plants are safely and efficiently generating 3,530 MW of electricity and helping avoid approximately 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually,” he said.
The prime minister commended Chinese partners, saying the event reaffirmed Pak-China All-Weather friendship and commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in economic, security, and development sectors.
“We must increasingly harness our resources and human capital to build a Pakistan that is economically stronger, energy-secure and environmentally responsible,” he said.
Once operational, Chashma-5 is expected to provide affordable, low-carbon and sustainable electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, further expanding the role of nuclear energy in the country’s power generation mix.
China has remained a key partner in Pakistan’s civil nuclear energy programme, including the development of the Chashma nuclear power complex.
The C-5 unit is located along the bank of the Indus River in Chashma, Mianwali District, Punjab, Pakistan.
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