ISLAMABAD: The new nuclear power plant situated at Chashma, with a capacity of generating 340MW, is running smoothly and contributing to energy resources of the country.
The plant was started on a trial basis by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) pursuing its vision of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The plant was passed through various functional and safety related tests at full power before starting its functioning, an official of PAEC told APP.
China Zhongyuan Engineering Company (CZEC) and PAEC personnel performed the commissioning and initial start-up of the plant to full power, after which acceptance tests were performed. With tremendous efforts of PAEC and Chinese friends, the fourth nuclear power plant C-4 became operational and connected to the country’s power grid, he informed.
The Chashma nuclear power project units, C-1, C-2 and C-3 have been successfully contributing to the national grid with an excellent performance since 2000, 2011 and 2016 respectively. The three nuclear power plants of Chinese origin are the best performing power stations in the country, supplying over 950 MW to the national grid with availability factors of around 99%.
Currently, the country’s four nuclear power plants KANUPP, C-1, C-2 and C-3 are operational and generating a total of 1,030 MW of power whereas with the inauguration of C-4 Chashma plant, the power supply would be further enhanced.