ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s 1,200MW Chashma-5 (C-5) nuclear power plant has reached a key construction milestone with the placement of its reactor dome, less than three and a half years after work began and ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the dome placement ceremony in Mianwali as chief guest, alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chinese officials and senior representatives of the organizations involved, the Prime Minister’s Office said .
The dome is the roof of the reactor building, which houses the reactor and its main equipment. The plant is expected to start producing electricity in September 2030. Cheaper, Steadier Power The prime minister said C-5 promised clean, reliable and affordable electricity, and would cut Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels and global price swings.
Nuclear energy makes up around 16.6 percent of the country’s electricity generation despite being only 8.6 percent of installed capacity, and its share rises to 26 percent in winter. The project could be commissioned earlier than planned, given the pace of construction since its groundbreaking in July 2023. Seventh Unit Built With China C-5 is the seventh nuclear power unit China has helped Pakistan build.