Key Takeaways
- IAEA and Pakistan signed a safeguards agreement for the 1,200MW Chashma-5 nuclear power plant.
- The agreement ensures international non-proliferation standards while bolstering Pakistan’s energy security.
- Construction of the plant is progressing, with the reactor’s dome placed early and scheduled for commissioning in 2028.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Pakistan have secured a safeguards agreement for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant, a significant step in enhancing Pakistan’s energy security and adherence to international non-proliferation standards.
The agreement, signed at the IAEA’s headquarters in Vienna, was witnessed by key officials including IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Raja Ali Raza Anwar, and Shan Zhongde, chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority.
The signing took place during the 70th IAEA General Conference, marking a critical milestone in the implementation of safeguards for the new facility. The pact was unanimously approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in March.
Construction of the Chashma-5 (C-5) facility is advancing, with the reactor’s dome placed early, a significant milestone in the project. The unit is set for commissioning in 2028, expected to add substantial low-carbon, low-cost electricity to Pakistan’s national grid.
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 megawatts, maintaining an average capacity factor exceeding 90 percent. The Atomic Energy Commission reports that the country has over 100 reactor-years of operational experience, ensuring safe, secure, and safeguarded operations under international standards.
Prior to the signing ceremony, Pakistani and Chinese delegations met to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. The Pakistani delegation was led by Raja Ali Raza Anwar, while Shan Zhongde headed the Chinese group. Mohammad Kamran Akhtar Malik, Pakistan’s ambassador to Austria and permanent representative to the IAEA, also participated in the discussions.
The agreement reflects the international community’s continued confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its adherence to global non-proliferation obligations. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and China in advancing nuclear energy for sustainable economic growth and climate objectives.
The signing of the safeguards agreement for the Chashma-5 nuclear power plant is a significant development in Pakistan’s energy sector, ensuring that the facility operates within the framework of international standards while contributing to the country’s energy security and sustainable development goals.
