Pakistan’s 1100MW K-2 power plant unit to provide safe and affordable electricity
The first 1100MW Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit-2 (K-2) has been connected to the national grid, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has announced.
Describing the development as a “Pakistan Day present” for the nation, the PAEC said the unit would provide “clean, reliable, and cost-effective electricity” and overcome power woes and improve the economy. PAEC Chairman Muhammad Naeem congratulated his team on the outstanding achievement.
The fuel loading at K-2 commenced on December 1, 2020, and the nuclear power plant had “achieved criticality at the end of February” PAEC noted. It was finally connected to the grid on March 18 after undergoing mandatory safety tests and procedures to ensure safety as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) compliance.
K-2 which is located near Karachi will be inaugurated for commercial operation by the end of May this year.
Another K-3 unit, which is currently in a completion phase, is expected to be operational by the end of 2021. It will add an additional 1100MW to the national grid.
The successful launch of K2 unite has taken Pakistan’s nuclear power generation capacity from 1400MW to 2500MW.
PAEC is now running six nuclear power plants in the country, two located in Karachi and four at Chashma in the Mianwali district.
Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan also shared the development in a tweet saying: “Nuclear Power Plant K-2 1,145MW synchronized successfully with the National Grid today (18.03.2021).”