IAEA approves safeguards agreement for Pakistan’s Chashma-5 nuclear unit

The International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors has approved the safeguards agreement with Pakistan for applying safeguards at Unit 5 of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the approval reflects international confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful use of nuclear energy and its compliance with non-proliferation and safeguards obligations.

Chashma Unit 5 is planned at a gross capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is expected to become operational by 2030. The pressurised water reactor will add low-carbon electricity to the national grid, the ministry said.

Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 3,530 MW(e), according to the Foreign Office. It said the plants have maintained an average capacity factor of more than 90%.

The ministry said nuclear energy contributed 18.3% to Pakistan’s electricity mix over the past year and accounted for 34% of total low-carbon electricity generation. It added Pakistan has more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience under international standards and safeguards.