Pakistan’s electricity landscape includes a mix of hydro, thermal and nuclear generation that supports growing demand across urban and rural areas. Nuclear sites sit at key coastal and inland locations to provide steady baseload power and diversify fuel sources for the grid.
There are 7 Nuclear power plants in Pakistan, ranging from Chashma-1 to KANUPP-3. For each plant, data are organized as Site (City/Province),Operator,Net capacity (MW); you’ll find these details below.
Where are these plants located and who operates them?
Most commercial nuclear plants are sited in Punjab (Chashma complex) and Sindh (Karachi/KANUPP), with operations and oversight led primarily by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and plant-specific management teams; some projects involve international partnerships for construction and technical support.
How much do these reactors contribute to the grid and why does it matter?
Net capacities vary by unit—see the Net capacity (MW) column below for exact figures—but collectively these stations provide reliable baseload power, improve grid stability, and help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while supporting long-term energy planning.
Nuclear Power Plants in Pakistan
| Name | Site (City/Province) | Operator | Net capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KANUPP-1 | Karachi,Sindh | PAEC | 137 |
| KANUPP-2 | Karachi,Sindh | PAEC | 1,100 |
| KANUPP-3 | Karachi,Sindh | PAEC | 1,100 |
| Chashma-1 | Chashma,Mianwali District,Punjab | PAEC | 300 |
| Chashma-2 | Chashma,Mianwali District,Punjab | PAEC | 300 |
| Chashma-3 | Chashma,Mianwali District,Punjab | PAEC | 300 |
| Chashma-4 | Chashma,Mianwali District,Punjab | PAEC | 300 |
Images and Descriptions
KANUPP-1
Pakistan’s first commercial nuclear power plant, a Canadian-supplied CANDU pressurized heavy water reactor. Operational since 1972 with a net output of 137 MW, operated by PAEC. Notable for long service life and later modernization and life-extension programs.
KANUPP-2
A Chinese Hualong One (HPR1000) pressurized water reactor at Karachi, commissioned into commercial operation in 2021 with a net capacity of 1,100 MW. Operated by PAEC, notable as Pakistan’s first large-generation modern reactor built with Chinese collaboration.
KANUPP-3
Twin Hualong One (HPR1000) reactor to K-2 at Karachi, commissioned in 2022 and delivering 1,100 MW net. Operated by PAEC, notable for being part of a multi-unit expansion bringing large-capacity modern reactors to Pakistan’s grid.
Chashma-1
Chashma-1 is the first CNP-300 Chinese-designed pressurized water reactor in Pakistan, producing 300 MW net and operated by PAEC. Commissioned in 2000, it marks the start of sustained China–Pakistan civil nuclear cooperation for power generation.
Chashma-2
Chashma-2 is a CNP-300 pressurized water reactor near Chashma, Punjab, with 300 MW net capacity. Operated by PAEC and commissioned in 2011, it expanded Pakistan’s small-to-medium reactor capacity built with Chinese technology.
Chashma-3
Chashma-3 is a CNP-300 reactor at Chashma, commissioned in 2016 with 300 MW net capacity. Operated by PAEC, it’s part of the Chashma complex and demonstrates Pakistan’s phased deployment of Chinese reactor designs.
Chashma-4
Chashma-4, a CNP-300 reactor at Chashma commissioned in 2017, provides 300 MW net. Operated by PAEC, it completed the initial four-unit Chashma complex and underscores long-term China–Pakistan cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
