K-3 is a step forward in cooperation with Pakistan’s trusted friend China, says PM
(Thursday 2nd Feb. 2023) Prime Minister congratulated the scientists and workers of Pakistan and China which led to the completion of the project. He said the staff of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission who contributed to the project would be invited to the Prime Minister’s Office for public recognition.
Director General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi in a video message emphasized the importance of using safe use of nuclear energy as Pakistan faced challenges of climate change.
Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Raja Ali Raza Anwar said National Electric Power Regulatory Authority had declared KANUP as a high power-producing facility with its 27.15 percent production.
Built with an investment of $2.7bn, the K-3 nuclear unit is expected to ease Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. The unit will supply electricity to the country’s national grid. K2 and K3 power plants have been installed with the help of China. The total capacity of both the power plants is 2200 megawatts. Power generation by both the plants is cheaper and trustworthy as compared to other sources of electricity generation. In Pakistan, the share of nuclear energy is 8.1 percent.
Nuclear power plants can produce electricity for eight months without any halt. The per unit electricity production from K2 and K3 costs Rs. 14.
The fuel consumption in both the power plants to produce a unit of electricity costs Rs1.2. After paying the debt taken for installing the power plants, the per unit electricity production will be down to less than Rs10.