Nuclear Power: A Viable Option For Electricity Generation

K-2 NPP Inauguration

Prime Minister of Pakistan inaugurated the commericial operation of K-2 Nuclear Power Plant on May 21, 2021

Karachi Nuclear Power Project Unit-2 (K-2) & Unit-3 (K-3)

Construction of K-2 and K-3 started in August, 2015 and in May, 2016 respectively. These units are based upon Chinese ACP1000 design, that is a Generation-III version of the PWR nuclear reactor technology. In this design, apart from other features, safety is significantly enhanced by using passive safety systems (no need of human action or input power for operation). K-2 was connected to the national grid on March 23, 2021 and successfully started commercial operation on May 21, 2021. Likewise, first grid connection and commercial operation dates of K-3 are March 4, 2022 and April 18, 2022.

Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station (CNPGS)

CNPGS hosts four nuclear power plants. These plants are based on Chinese Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology. CNPGS Unit 1 (C-1) and Unit-2 (C-2) have a gross capacity of 325 MW each. C-1 started operation in 2000, while C-2 in 2011. CNPGS Unit 3 (C-3) and Unit-4 (C-4) both with gross capacity of 340 MW each started commercial operation in 2016 & 2017, respectively. All four nuclear plants at Chashma are under IAEA safeguards.

Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) Unit 1

Pakistan’s first Nuclear Power Plant, KANUPP Unit 1 of 137 MWe, was constructed in the outskirts of Karachi and achieved its first criticality on 1^st August, 1971. After 50-year of successful commercial operation, KANUPP Unit 1 power station was permanently shut-down on August 1, 2021 and is being decommissioned.