​China's Hualong One reactor boosts nuclear power generation in Pakistan

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 27, 2021 shows the exterior view of nuclear power units of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in Fuqing, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

The K-2 unit of Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan using Hualong One, a China-designed third-generation nuclear reactor, officially started commercial operation on May 20 local time, reported China Securities Journal Monday quoting SINOMACH Heavy Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (SINOMACH-HE, 601399.SH).

SINOMACH-HE, a subsidiary of China National Machinery Industry Corporation Ltd. (SINOMACH), is a key equipment supplier for Hualong One nuclear reactor. It also participated in the construction of the K-2 and K-3 units of Karachi nuclear power plant.

Both the K-2 and K-3 units have adopted Hualong One nuclear reactors. The K-2 unit started construction in August 2015, while the K-3 unit in May 2016.

Each unit is expected to generate about 9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually after completion, which can meet the annual electricity demand of more than 4 million local households in Pakistan, equivalent to reducing emmission of 3.12 million metric tons (tonnes) of standard coal and 8.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.