US$2.7 billion China-designed nuclear plant launched in Pakistan amid energy crisis
- It’s the second unit at the Karachi power plant to use a Chinese-designed Hualong One reactor – China financed the facility’s expansion
- The 1,100 megawatts capacity reactor will generate some of Pakistan’s cheapest electricity as the country suffers nationwide power outages
Pakistan inaugurated a US$2.7 billion nuclear reactor, providing some relief as the nation grapples with an energy crisis.
The 1,100 megawatts capacity power plant will generate some of the nation’s cheapest electricity, according to data from regulator National Electric Power Regulatory Authority. The facility was connected to the grid last March.
It’s the second unit at the Karachi nuclear power plant to use a Chinese-designed Hualong One reactor. China financed the facility’s expansion.
Pakistan “badly needs” clean and cheap sources of energy, whether it is nuclear, hydro or other renewables, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at a ceremony at the power plant in Karachi.
While the new facility is a welcome addition to Pakistan’s stretched grid, it won’t do much to curb dependence on expensive fossil fuel imports or solve the nation’s chronic energy shortages.
Pakistan suffered nationwide power outages on Monday morning due to a “major breakdown” of the national grid, the power ministry said, with factories, hospitals and schools impacted in all its major cities.