Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on 28
th Dec 2016 inaugurated Chashma-III nuclear power plant near Mianwali in Punjab Province.
The plant alleviates load shedding problems in Punjab Province and aids Pakistan in attaining the commitments under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
As per the INDCs submitted by Pakistan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, use of non-fossil fuel based energy sources will be encouraged in the country.
The Chashma-III Nuclear power plant is also called the C-III nuclear power plant.
It is a joint collaboration between Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and China National Nuclear Corporation.
It is executed by the PAEC under the guidelines of the IAEA that monitors diversion of nuclear energy material and technology for non civilian uses.
It will further the government's commitment to end load shedding by 2018.
About the C-III Nuclear Power Plant China Atomic Energy Authority and the Export-Import Bank of China extended technical and financial support.
Capacity: 600 MW
Part of the larger Chashma Nuclear Project comprising 4 nuclear power plants.
Chashma-I and Chashma-II power projects are already operationalised.
Chashma-IV plant will be operationalised in 2017.
The four plants will help PAEC to achieve the overall target of 8000 MW nuclear energy capacity.
Pakistan is also constructing K-II and K-III nuclear power plants in Karachi.
These projects are expected to add 8800 MW electricity to the national grid by 2030.
Nuclear ties between China and Pakistan are likely to strain Indo-Pak bilteral relationships.
