The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) has issued a construction license to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) in Mianwali.
PAEC had submitted its application for the license in April, accompanied by a Preliminary Safety Assessment Report (PSAR) and supporting documents addressing key areas such as nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, waste management, and nuclear security.
The PNRA granted the license following a detailed review and assessment of the submission, ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory standards.
The C-5 unit is an advanced third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) of the Chinese Hualong (HPR1000) design. It features cutting-edge safety systems, including a double-shell containment and a reactor filtered venting system, and has a 60-year operational design life.
This marks the third nuclear power plant in Pakistan utilizing this advanced design, with two similar plants (K-2 and K-3) already operational in Karachi and contributing to the national grid.
Notably, the C-5 unit will be Pakistan’s largest electricity-producing nuclear power plant, boasting a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
