Sino-Pakistan nuclear power cooperation has reached a new level

On February 2, Beijing time, Pakistan held the completion ceremony of Unit 3 of Karachi Nuclear Power Station. So far, China's independent third-generation nuclear power "Hualong 1" exported to Pakistan, two megawatt units were officially delivered to Pakistan after being completed and put into operation, and the first project of "Hualong 1" in Pakistan was fully completed.
According to the data released by the State Electricity Regulatory Authority of Pakistan recently, with the completion and operation of China's new generation of nuclear power units, the share of nuclear power in Pakistan's power generation has increased significantly, from 0.6% in 2000 to 10.6% in 2022, becoming the backbone to ensure the stability of Pakistan's power supply.
Last April, Karachi Nuclear Power Station Unit 3, the fourth unit in the world and the second overseas unit of "Hualong 1", was put into commercial operation. "This is another good news from Pakistan since Unit 2 of Karachi Nuclear Power Plant was put into commercial operation in May 2021." Ahmed, the project safety engineer, said excitedly. He has worked in these two unit projects for more than 6 years and is responsible for conducting safety training for newly recruited Pakistani employees.
Nuclear power is a technology-intensive high-tech strategic industry and an important embodiment of the comprehensive strength and core competitiveness of the country. As the third-generation nuclear power technology independently developed by China and with completely independent intellectual property rights, "Hualong No.1" has become a new business card for China's innovation. "For us, it is an invaluable opportunity to participate in the construction of 'Hualong I'." Ahmed said frankly that the successful completion and operation of 'Hualong I' in Pakistan demonstrated the maturity and progressiveness of China's nuclear power program to the world. It is understood that after the Karachi nuclear power plant units 2 and 3 are put into operation, they will provide nearly 20 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity to the local area every year, which can meet the annual production and domestic electricity demand of 2 million people.
The project construction also contributes to the sustainable development of local economy and society. Fan Haiping, the general contractor of Karachi Nuclear Power Project in Pakistan and the general manager of China Nuclear Industry Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "CNNC") Central China Karachi Project, introduced that more than 60000 new jobs have been created in the local area during the whole construction period of the project. Through on-site demonstration, skill teaching, skill competition and other methods, the project has trained more than 100000 Pakistani personnel, and cultivated skilled skills There are more than 8000 Pakistani employees who can work independently.
On the Punjab Plain of Pakistan, lies the first export commercial nuclear power plant designed and built by China itself - Chashma Nuclear Power Plant. In 1995, the 26-year-old Ji Mingli came to the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, which was jointly built by China and Pakistan, and served as a monitor of the electrical installation team. Here, he met Latif, a new employee who had just graduated from a local school.
As peers, Jimingli and Latif have many common languages. Latif is smart and eager to learn. From time to time, he pulls Jimingli to ask for electrician knowledge. Time flies. In 2017, when Ji Mingli returned to Pakistan again to participate in the construction of "Hualong 1", he was surprised to meet his old friend Latif again. At this time, Latif was already an experienced electrician at the project site.
In Fan Haiping's view, behind the achievements of nuclear energy cooperation, the profound friendship forged by the Chinese and Pakistani people in the common struggle is condensed. "This is a major achievement made by the nuclear science and technology workers of China and Pakistan, and a solid action taken by us to promote the joint construction of the the Belt and Road."
Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects Department of Pakistan, said that the new generation of nuclear power technology is of great significance for Pakistan to reduce energy import expenditure and reduce carbon emissions. With the continuous promotion of relevant projects, the energy cooperation between Pakistan and China will continue to reach a new level.