Nuclear power generation in Pakistan: history and prospects

Pakistan is a rapidly developing country with an increasing demand for energy to support its economic growth and meet the needs of its ever-growing population. Electricity generation in Pakistan comes from a variety of sources, including natural gas, coal, hydroelectricity, oil and nuclear power. According to 2020 data, the breakdown of electricity generation is as follows: 40% natural gas, 32% coal, 17% hydropower, 5% oil and 6% nuclear power [1].

Pakistan has made significant progress in developing its nuclear sector since the commissioning of its first nuclear power plant in 1972. Despite the relatively small share of nuclear power in the country’s total electricity generation, the planned expansion of nuclear capacity and the exploration of innovative reactor technologies should help to ensure energy security and support Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.

History of nuclear power generation in Pakistan

Pakistan began exploring nuclear power in the 1950s, with the establishment of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in 1956 [2]. PAEC is responsible for the research and development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as well as the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

Pakistan’s first nuclear reactor, the Pakistan Atomic Research Reactor-1 (PARR-1), was commissioned in 1965 [3]. The country’s first nuclear power plant, the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP), was inaugurated in 1972 and had an initial capacity of 137 megawatts of electricity (MWe) [4].

Since then, Pakistan has commissioned several other nuclear power plants, including the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (CHASNUPP) with four units in operation and a total capacity of 1,340 MWe [5]. To date, Pakistan has five nuclear reactors in operation, with a total installed capacity of around 1,477 MWe [6].

Nuclear reactor technologies used in Pakistan

Pakistan mainly uses Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) for nuclear power generation. The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) is equipped with a Canadian-designed CANDU reactor with pressure tubes and heavy calandria [4]. The other nuclear power plants, notably the units at the Chashma nuclear power plant, are equipped with Chinese-designed pressurized water reactors [5].

PWR reactors are currently the most widespread reactor technology in the world. They use pressurized light water as a moderator and coolant to transport the heat produced by nuclear fission to a steam generator, where the steam is used to drive turbines and generate electricity.

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Pakistan plans to further develop its nuclear sector to meet growing energy demand and diversify its energy mix. According to the country’s Indicative Energy Development Plan, the aim is to achieve a nuclear power generation capacity of 8,800 MWe by 2030 [7].

Current projects include the expansion of the Karachi nuclear power plant with the construction of units K-2 and K-3, scheduled for commissioning in 2021 and 2022 respectively [8]. Both units will be equipped with Chinese-designed Hualong One reactors, which are third-generation pressurized water reactors with a capacity of 1,100 MWe each [9].

In addition, Pakistan is planning to build new nuclear power plants at Chashma, Muzaffargarh, Nankana Sahib and Bahawalpur [10]. These projects should help increase the country’s nuclear power generation capacity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Pakistan is also looking to explore innovative reactor technologies to ensure the sustainability and safety of its nuclear sector. In collaboration with China, the country is exploring the possibilities of using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to diversify its energy mix and provide power to remote regions [11].

Pakistan’s nuclear reactors

Reactor nameTechModelMweTWhConstructionStartGridConnecDecommissioningLoad factor
KANUPP-1PHWRCANDU-137MW12514.92august 1966oct. 1971august 202129.5%
CHASNUPP-1PWRCNP-30030045.68august 1993june 200077.6%
CHASNUPP-2PWRCNP-30030026.67dec. 2005march 201186.7%

Countries producing nuclear power

  1. United States: 94,718 GW
  2. France: 61,370 GW
  3. China: 53,170 GW
  4. Russia: 27,727 GW
  5. South Korea: 24,489 GW
  6. Japan: 16,321 GW
  7. Canada: 13,624 GW
  8. Ukraine: 13,107 GW

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