Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday virtually inaugurated the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Unit-2 (K-2), a third-generation state-of-the-art plant with improved safety systems. The ceremony was simultaneously held at K-2 NPP, Karachi and in Beijing, China, and also marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Khan said he was happy that the K2 nuclear plant is being inaugurated today on the 70th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations “Clean energy is very important for us,” he said, adding that transfer of technology will be beneficial for the country.
He said Pakistan is desirous of learning from China in various sectors, including managing the fast expanding urban centres, poverty alleviation and controlling corruption.
He said the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is being expanded from connectivity and power sector projects to the establishment of economic zones and agricultural technology.
The premier noted that relations between the two countries were on a high note and that Pakistanis respect and love China because Beijing has always had Islamabad’s back when it mattered most.
K-2 was connected to national grid on March 18. The K-2 nuclear plant has internal and external accident prevention ability and enhanced emergency response capability. It has a 60-year life expectancy, extendable to a further 20 years. The power plant is designed with higher plant availability and capacity factors and an extended refuelling cycle.
The construction of the K-2 plant started in November 2013, whereas its fuel loading initiated on December 01, 2020, after approval from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
With the inauguration of K-2 NPP, PAEC will be operating six nuclear power plants in the country. Two of them are located in Karachi namely Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (K-1) and Unit-2 (K-2), while four sited at Chashma, in District Mianwali, named as Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1-4.
Courtesy- local media