The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has completed the reactor dome placement at unit 5 of the Chashma NPP in Mianwali District, Punjab, ahead of schedule. This marks a critical structural milestone for what will become Pakistan’s largest single nuclear power unit.
Chashma 5, third-generation Hualong One reactor supplied by China, will have a generation capacity of 1,200 MWe. Following ground-breaking in July 2023, the plant is scheduled to begin supplying electricity to the national grid in September 2030.
Dome placement is a construction milestone involving the installation of the large, dome-shaped roof of the reactor building, which houses the reactor and its associated equipment. It means the main reactor building has reached an important stage of structural completion.
The project is being developed in close collaboration with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and its subsidiary, CNNC China Zhongyuan Engineering Corp, under a cooperation agreement with PAEC. The project is estimated to cost approximately $4.8bn, largely financed through Chinese credit. The installation ceremony was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar, and senior Chinese officials.
Nuclear energy currently provides 16.6% of Pakistan’s total electricity generation despite accounting for only 8.6% of installed capacity. During peak winter months, its share of national electricity generation rises to 26%.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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.
He commended Chinese partners, saying the event reaffirmed Pakistan-China “All-Weather” friendship and commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in economic, security, and development sectors. “China’s dedication and hard work have helped achieve this milestone, and I am confident that, with the same commitment, we will see this project commissioned ahead of time,” he said, noting that Chashma-5 was the seventh nuclear power unit Beijing has helped to construct in Pakistan.
PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted that nuclear power continues to play an important role in Pakistan’s energy security. “Pakistan’s nuclear power plants are safely and efficiently generating 3,530 MWr of electricity and helping avoid approximately 15m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually,” he said.
The Chashma site already hosts four operating Chinese-supplied CNP-300 pressurised water reactors. Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power units, which have maintained an average capacity factor exceeding 90% with more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience. Two more Hualong One units are operating at the Karachi NPP.
