Nuclear Power Plants in Pakistan

The development of nuclear energy started in the middle of the 20th century with significant nuclear fission discoveries. The primary goal of early atomic research was to create a weapon that could be used in World War II. However, some scientists worked on creating breeder reactors, which in a chain reaction would produce fissionable material that produces more fissionable material. In the 1950s and 1960s, the first commercial nuclear power facilities developed, and with the rapid technological advancements, there was a reliable, abundant energy supply produced. In the global energy landscape, nuclear power is essential as it contributes to energy security and the mitigation of climate change by producing a steady and substantial amount of electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions. 

Pakistan has a lot of energy-related problems, such as frequent blackouts and rising demand due to population and economic growth. Diversifying the nation’s energy sources is necessary to foster development. The consistent, dependable, and low-emission electricity produced by nuclear power is one of the energy sources in Pakistan that tackles energy shortages and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Historical Development of the Nuclear Power Programme in Pakistan 

Pakistan initiated its nuclear program in 1954, due to the US Atoms for Peace project, which sought to exchange nuclear technology with other countries during the Cold War. The program was controlled by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) which was founded in 1956 to supervise and advance nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Initial attempts centered on producing research reactors—PARR-1 and PARR-2, teaching scientists, and constructing the technological infrastructure needed for nuclear power production. A 5 MW research reactor was produced at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology (PINSTECH), which marked the start of the nuclear program of Pakistan in 1965. 

Pakistan’s first nuclear power plant, known as KANUPP, was built with Canadian help and put into service in 1972. It was equipped with a 137 MW Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor—a noteworthy accomplishment that proved Pakistan could run and sustain a nuclear power facility.

It established the framework for upcoming nuclear energy initiatives in the entire country. In August 2021, it permanently closed after 50 years of operation because the reactor reached the end of its design life. After it was shut down, Pakistan was able to create efficient nuclear power reactors due to the expertise imparted by the KANUPP. China and Pakistan collaborated to build the Chashma Nuclear Power Complex in the 1990s. 

Operational Nuclear Power Plants in Pakistan

With a combined capacity of 3,530 MW, Pakistan’s six nuclear power reactors (NRPs) accounted for 27% of the country’s total electricity supply in December 2022. By 2030, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission aims to produce 8,000 MW of electricity. 

Pressurized water reactors (PWRs) are the technology principally employed in these plants and around the world. Since the late 1970s, China has contributed to Pakistan’s civil nuclear energy program by building nuclear power plants. 

KANUPP-2

KANUPP-2 is a 1014 MW net capacity power plant that is currently operating. August 2015 saw the start of its construction, overseen by the PAEC, and in February 2021, the reactor reached its first criticality, linked to the grid. Because of its recent commissioning, KANUPP-2 had a Utilization Capacity Factor (UCF) of 0.0% in 2020.

KANUPP-3

One type of PWR reactor is KANUPP-3 whose construction started in May 2016. It was ready for commercial use in April 2022. The 1,100 MW reactor is controlled and run by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. 

CHASNUPP-1

With a 300 MW net capacity, CHASNUPP-1 is a pressurized water reactor that is overseen and operated by PAEC. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) constructed the reactor. Construction on CHASNUPP-1 began in August 1993. It was connected to the grid and became operational in 2000. In 2020, the UCF for CHASNUPP-1 was 86.6%.

CHASNUPP-2

Operating under the PAEC, CHASNUPP-2 is another PWR with a net capacity of 300 MW. CNNC supplied this reactor as well. In December 2005, construction got underway, and in 2011, it was connected to the grid. In 2020 the UCF for CHASNUPP-2 was 83.1%. 

CHASNUPP-3

The PWR CHASNUPP-3, which has a 315 MW net capacity, is in operation and managed by PAEC. According to CNNC, construction on it commenced in May 2011, and by 2016, the reactor had become operational and was linked to the grid. Its UCF was 89.7% in 2020.

CHASNUPP-4

CHASNUPP-4 is a 313 MW net capacity power plant that is currently operational. December 2011 saw the start of construction and in September 2017, the reactor started operating commercially after being linked to the grid. In 2020, CHASNUPP-4’s UCF was 91.1%.

Since their establishment, all of these nuclear power plants have not only produced cheaper, safer, and more consistent electricity, but they have timely and successfully supported the country’s vulnerable economy by saving billions of US dollars in energy production costs as compared to alternative sources.

Saviors of Pakistan’s Energy and Economy

Pakistan’s economy has benefited significantly from its six nuclear power plants, which saved $3.035 billion on oil, $1.586 billion on imported coal, and $2.207 billion on RLNG in the fiscal year 2022. The economic benefits of nuclear energy are demonstrated by the $3 billion in fuel costs that would have been spent to produce the same amount of electricity using alternative sources.

Energy is essential for both economic expansion and stability. Utilizing nuclear energy wisely can protect Pakistan’s economy and foster prosperity. Pakistan’s primary power generation source—nuclear power—now generates 27.15% of the country’s electricity for Rs 1.073 per unit. Energy derived from carbon is costly and bad for the environment, resulting in global warming. 

In Pakistan, the use of nuclear energy has been promoted as crucial to addressing climate change and a means of preventing global warming. However, the government’s energy policy places a strong emphasis on using more coal, demonstrating a lack of true commitment to renewable energy sources.

It seems detrimental that the Finance Ministry took so long to approve the Chasma-5 nuclear power project. Prioritizing nuclear energy projects such as Chasma-5, K-4, K-5, M-1, and M-2 in Muzaffargarh is imperative for Pakistan to increase electricity output and save billions of dollars. For a sustainable energy future, educating the public and government on the positive impacts of nuclear energy is crucial. Investing in nuclear energy will lower electricity costs, improve corporate competitiveness, and guarantee Pakistan’s economic security. 

Challenges of Pakistan’s Nuclear Power Industry

Pakistan is not a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which makes it an aggressive state that limits its capacity to buy nuclear reactors and technologies from states that are a part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). China has supplied Pakistan with reactors but joined the NSG in 2004 after which it became restricted from selling Pakistan any more reactors for nuclear security. 

Nuclear power plants are costly to construct since their construction requires large initial expenses. Financial hardship is increased by high construction prices and lengthy development periods. Previously, Pakistan’s nuclear reactors were financed at a low cost by China and Canada. China did not provide enough credit for the third Chashma reactor, which compelled Pakistan to look for extra funding from global financial markets; obtaining future financing for more nuclear construction may be difficult due to political instability in the state.

Nuclear power station shutdowns have been brought on by an ongoing issue with Pakistan’s electrical grid’s stability. For example, grid fluctuations have caused multiple shutdowns of the Kanupp reactor. This risk also affects the Chashma nuclear power plant. Such unpredictability creates operational difficulties and hinders steady electricity generation.

Pakistan intends to boost its share of nuclear energy from 0.8% to 4.2% by 2030 by increasing its nuclear capacity to 8,800 MW, which is overly ambitious. One of the biggest challenges is distributing finances and assets equally between nuclear power and other energy-producing methods. Moreover, the public’s debate and involvement with nuclear energy may rise as a result of the planned expansion of nuclear facilities. The expectations of local communities for employment and economic benefits, as well as the potential risks and accidents that come with residing close to nuclear reactors, will need to be addressed.

Politics of PAEC

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), which combines functions in scientific advancement and national security, has substantial authority over Pakistan’s nuclear activities, both military and civilian. PAEC has avoided accountability and also not given Parliament access to its budgets. After India’s nuclear test in 1974, it took the lead in developing Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. After Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 1998, tensions with India increased and near-conflicts raised security concerns in the state. PAEC suppresses independent supervision and criticism by controlling scientific research and nuclear expertise throughout the whole state.

Research and public debate on nuclear issues are hampered by the absence of a strong educational system and the restriction of civil society activism due to previous military regimes. The 1986 Chernobyl tragedy and a 1999 safety assessment on the Chashma plant brought attention to security issues, but no public debate and regulatory action followed. This resulted in limiting the capacity of nuclear power plants to meet civilian needs by diverting funds to nuclear weapons. 
Pakistan’s energy ambitions are generally viewed as overly ambitious and difficult to achieve due to the country’s political instability, PAEC’s dominant role, governance problems, and resource scarcity. The whole country would need a solid democratic basis and a vibrant civil society to guarantee accountability and advancement to implement an efficient energy policy with stable nuclear power generation.

---

If you want to submit your articles and/or research papers, please check the Submissions page.

The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.