Mianwali:Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in its nuclear energy programme with the successful placement of the dome of the Chashma-5 (C-5) Nuclear Power Plant, being constructed by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as chief guest, along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Chinese officials and senior representatives of relevant organisations.
Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister appreciated the dedication and hard work of Pakistani and Chinese engineers, technicians and workers for achieving the important construction milestone ahead of schedule.
He said the C-5 project represented Pakistan's commitment to clean and emissions-free electricity generation and would contribute to strengthening the country's energy security.
The prime minister also commended China's cooperation, saying the ceremony reaffirmed the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China and their shared commitment to expanding strategic cooperation in economic, security and development sectors.
He stressed the need to harness national resources and human capital to build an economically stronger, energy-secure and environmentally responsible Pakistan.
In his opening remarks, Chairman PAEC said nuclear power continued to play a significant role in Pakistan's energy security by providing reliable and low-carbon electricity.
He said Pakistan's nuclear power plants were safely and efficiently generating 3,530 megawatts of electricity, helping the country avoid approximately 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
He further stated that nuclear energy accounted for around 16.6 per cent of the country's electricity generation despite representing only 8.6 per cent of its installed power generation capacity. Its share of electricity generation rises to 26 per cent during winter.
The C-5 project will have a generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is expected to begin electricity generation in September 2030.