Pakistan's Nuclear Power Sector Sees Record Growth Amid Rising Competition from Renewables

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's nuclear power sector has seen a significant increase in electricity production, reaching an all-time high of 21.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2025. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year, with the share of nuclear power in the national grid rising to a record 17% from 16.2% in 2023. Despite this growth, the report highlights the increasing costs and inefficiencies in the sector, leading to a shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's nuclear electricity production reached an all-time high of 21.7 TWh in 2024, up from 21.3 TWh in 2023.
  • The share of nuclear power in the national grid rose to a record 17% from 16.2% in 2023, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2025.
  • Pakistan operates six nuclear reactors with a combined net capacity of 3.3 gigawatts (GW), all built by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
  • The country began work in December 2024 on another 1,200 MW reactor, Chashma-5, with Chinese backing, which is China's only nuclear new-build project currently under construction abroad.
  • The estimated overnight cost of Chashma-5 is 966 billion rupees ($3.4 billion), with total project costs, including financing, estimated at 1.125 trillion rupees ($4 billion).
  • Most funding for Chashma-5 will come from Chinese credit, with commercial operation targeted for 2030.
  • Pakistan's renewable electricity capacity increased to 15.2 GW in 2024, with hydropower remaining the largest component at 11.5 GW and solar expanding fastest.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to expand nuclear power capacity by another 1,200 MW by 2030 and increase the combined share of renewables and hydropower to 62% by 2035.

Statistics:

  • 21.7 TWh: Pakistan's nuclear electricity production in 2024, an all-time high.
  • 21.3 TWh: Pakistan's nuclear electricity production in 2023.
  • 16.2%: Share of nuclear power in the national grid in 2023.
  • 17%: Share of nuclear power in the national grid in 2024.
  • 3.3 GW: Combined net capacity of Pakistan's six nuclear reactors.
  • 1,200 MW: Capacity of the new reactor, Chashma-5.
  • 966 billion rupees: Estimated overnight cost of Chashma-5.
  • 1.125 trillion rupees: Total project cost of Chashma-5, including financing.
  • 15.2 GW: Pakistan's renewable electricity capacity in 2024.
  • 11.5 GW: Hydropower capacity in Pakistan in 2024.
  • 14.2 GW: Pakistan's renewable electricity capacity in 2023.

Sources:

  • World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2025.
  • Global Data Point.