Karachi Units 2 and 3 represent the first exports of CNNC’s Hualong One pressurized water reactor technology. Construction of Unit 2 began in 2015, reaching first criticality in February 2021 and connecting to the grid in March 2021, with final acceptance in May 2023. Unit 3’s construction started in 2016, achieving first criticality in February 2022 and grid connection in March 2022. It passed preliminary acceptance tests in April 2022, entered commercial operation, and was officially inaugurated in February 2024.
CNNC stated: “Acceptance of both units verifies the technical maturity and international market adaptability of China’s independent third-generation nuclear power technology Hualong One, and provides a Chinese solution of clean energy that can be promoted for the countries jointly building the Belt and Road.” The two units have generated over 48 terawatt-hours of electricity, reducing standard coal consumption by approximately 14.976 million tonnes and carbon dioxide emissions by 39.168 million tonnes annually.
The Karachi site also includes Karachi Unit 1, a 100 MWe Canadian pressurized heavy water reactor, which ceased operations in 2021 after 50 years. In August 2023, Pakistan’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council approved the construction of Chashma Unit 5, another Hualong One reactor, at the Chashma NPP in Mianwali, Punjab, where four Chinese-supplied CNP-300 reactors are already operational. Construction of Chashma Unit 5 began with the first concrete pour in December 2024.
The completion of Karachi Units 2 and 3 highlights the successful collaboration between Pakistan and China in advancing clean energy solutions, contributing to sustainable energy production and environmental benefits in the region.
