China's first overseas nuclear power unit gains acceptance in Pakistan

(ECNS) -- The K2 unit of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, which use Hualong One, China's third-generation nuclear power technology obtained an acceptance certificate in Pakistan, its operator, China National Nuclear Corp announced on Monday.

It was the first delivery of China's Hualong One reactor overseas and a milestone project in nuclear energy cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The K2 unit began construction in August 2015 and was put into official operation on May 20, 2021, making it the first nuclear power unit to achieve 100 days of continuous operation in Pakistan.

Since commercial operation started three years ago, unit performance and WANO(World Association of Nuclear Operators) indicators continue to improve and gradually climb toward the advanced global standards.

It has generated nearly 23 billion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 18.768 million metric tons, the consumption of standard coal by 7.176 million tons per year, and afforestation by 161 million trees. The project has paved the way for construction of Unit 5 at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant in Pakistan.

Nuclear energy cooperation between China and Pakistan began in the late 1980s. Over the past three decades, the two countries have jointly built two major nuclear power bases - Chashma Nuclear Power Base and Karachi Nuclear Power Base, while Unit 5 of the Chasham Plant broke ground in 2023.