The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 (K-2) in Pakistan, which is the first Hualong One nuclear power unit built with China's self-developed Hualong One technology, has met final acceptance conditions.
Representatives from both China and Pakistan jointly signed the final acceptance certificate. This marks the successful completion of the first overseas unit of Hualong One, China's independently developed third-generation nuclear power technology, and strengthens the partnership between China and Pakistan, while also contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative.
The K-2 unit is a flagship project of the BRI and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. It utilizes Hualong One, and was contracted by China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The project set records for the shortest construction period and best performance among international third-generation nuclear power plants built overseas. It was awarded the best practice case for Energy International Cooperation at the Second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference. It is also the first nuclear power plant in Pakistan to achieve non-stop operation for 100 consecutive days after starting commercial service.
Completion of the K-2 unit at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant located in Pakistan, the first overseas Hualong One nuclear power unit, marks a milestone in China-Pakistan nuclear energy cooperation. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Over the three years since the K-2 unit began operation, China and Pakistan have worked together to optimize its performance indicators and operational achievements. The unit is reaching world-class standards, having generated nearly 23 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of 7.176 million tons of standard coal consumption and 18.768 million tons of CO2 emissions, and planting 161 million trees.
The K-2 unit has contributed to the green transformation of Pakistan's energy structure. The lessons learned in the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of this unit will be applied to improve future projects, paving the way for the construction of Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.
China-Pakistan nuclear energy cooperation began in the late 1980s. Over the past thirty years, the two countries have developed two major nuclear power bases – the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant and the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant. Unit 5 of the Chasham Plant broke ground in 2023.
CNNC has led the advancement of the modern nuclear industry, ensuring the safe and orderly development of nuclear energy. CNNC has broadened and deepened international nuclear energy cooperation, forming partnerships with over 60 countries along the BRI. The company has developed numerous flagship projects, contributing to the development of global energy governance and fostering a shared future in nuclear energy for all.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
