According to officials from the Pakistani government, China has agreed to provide help to build two new nuclear power plants.
This is welcome news, not least because Pakistan is suffering from acute power shortages with official estimates putting the shortfall close to 4000 MW.
Furthermore, this enhanced cooperation with China is likely to ease Pakistan's unhappiness at the recent deal allowing American businesses to sell nuclear fuel, technology and reactors to its neighbour, India.
China previously helped Pakistan build its second nuclear power plant at Chashma, about 125 miles southwest of Islamabad. Work on a second nuclear plant is in progress, and is due to be completed in 2011.
The Chashma 3 and Chashma 4 reactors would provide Pakistan with an additional 680 MW of generating capacity. No details were given on when the units would be built or what assistance China would provide.
Pakistan, which began operating its first nuclear power station with Canadian assistance back in 1972, has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the main international agreement meant to stem the spread of nuclear weapons technology.
However, it has placed several of its civilian reactors under International Atomic Energy Authority safeguards.
The nuclear agreement was among a dozen economic cooperation accords signed during President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to Beijing, PR China.
(Source: Power Engineering)
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Pakistan, China expected to sign civil nuclear deal
Pakistan and China are expected to sign a civil nuclear agreement during President Asif Ali Zardari's maiden state visit to the Communist nation, the country's envoy to Beijing said today.
Both countries have always supported the peaceful use of civil nuclear energy and an agreement in this connection is expected to be signed during the President's visit to China which began today, Ambassador Masood Khan said.
The two countries will ink several agreements in the fields of technology, agriculture and minerals. They will also sign an investment protocol to their existing free trade agreement to boost investments in Pakistan, he told Geo News channel.
Though Khan did not give details of the proposed civil nuclear pact, official sources were quoted by The Nation newspaper as saying that a nuclear deal with China would be the "main item" on Zardari's agenda.
An official told the newspaper that Zardari would seek a nuclear deal with China to meet Pakistan's increasing energy needs.
"What we need from our Chinese friends is the building of new nuclear reactors with their help and indications are already there that they will not disappoint us," the official said.
The government led by Zardari's Pakistan People's Party is under pressure from domestic political circles to seek a civil nuclear deal with China to match the atomic pact finalised between India and the US.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the US to extend a similar deal to Pakistan and called on the world community not to discriminate between Pakistan and India in this regard.
(Source: Press Trust of India)
Both countries have always supported the peaceful use of civil nuclear energy and an agreement in this connection is expected to be signed during the President's visit to China which began today, Ambassador Masood Khan said.
The two countries will ink several agreements in the fields of technology, agriculture and minerals. They will also sign an investment protocol to their existing free trade agreement to boost investments in Pakistan, he told Geo News channel.
Though Khan did not give details of the proposed civil nuclear pact, official sources were quoted by The Nation newspaper as saying that a nuclear deal with China would be the "main item" on Zardari's agenda.
An official told the newspaper that Zardari would seek a nuclear deal with China to meet Pakistan's increasing energy needs.
"What we need from our Chinese friends is the building of new nuclear reactors with their help and indications are already there that they will not disappoint us," the official said.
The government led by Zardari's Pakistan People's Party is under pressure from domestic political circles to seek a civil nuclear deal with China to match the atomic pact finalised between India and the US.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the US to extend a similar deal to Pakistan and called on the world community not to discriminate between Pakistan and India in this regard.
(Source: Press Trust of India)
Friday, October 3, 2008
US says not contemplating a nuclear deal with Pakistan
WASHINGTON: The US has said it was not contemplating any deal with Pakistan similar to the Indo-US nuclear agreement, insisting that New Delhi's
case was "unique" because of its past record on non-proliferation.
"At the moment, I'm not aware of a contemplation of a similar such (nuclear) deal at this time with Pakistan," State department Spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters here.
He disagreed with the suggestion that after cutting a "special" deal with India, others would seek civil nuclear cooperation.
"... of course, some may ask for similar treatment. The India case, however, we believed was unique and was unique in the respect of a long history of Indian behaviour that was there for all to see," McCormack said.
The spokesman replied in the negative when asked if the issue was raised by the Pakistan leadership during recent bilateral meetings.
"In the most recent meeting with the Secretary (Condolezzaa Rice), that's the only one I can personally speak to at this point. That issue did not come up. I know that the issue has come up periodically in public. I think I've had to
answer questions about it before and our position is the same" he said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani yesterday day indicated that the country may seek a similar arrangement with its close ally China.
"Pakistan will now make efforts for a civil nuclear deal and they (the world community) will have to accommodate us," Gilani told reporters in Multan, soon after the Indo-US nuclear deal was approved by the US Senate.
(Source: The Economic Times, India)
case was "unique" because of its past record on non-proliferation.
"At the moment, I'm not aware of a contemplation of a similar such (nuclear) deal at this time with Pakistan," State department Spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters here.
He disagreed with the suggestion that after cutting a "special" deal with India, others would seek civil nuclear cooperation.
"... of course, some may ask for similar treatment. The India case, however, we believed was unique and was unique in the respect of a long history of Indian behaviour that was there for all to see," McCormack said.
The spokesman replied in the negative when asked if the issue was raised by the Pakistan leadership during recent bilateral meetings.
"In the most recent meeting with the Secretary (Condolezzaa Rice), that's the only one I can personally speak to at this point. That issue did not come up. I know that the issue has come up periodically in public. I think I've had to
answer questions about it before and our position is the same" he said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani yesterday day indicated that the country may seek a similar arrangement with its close ally China.
"Pakistan will now make efforts for a civil nuclear deal and they (the world community) will have to accommodate us," Gilani told reporters in Multan, soon after the Indo-US nuclear deal was approved by the US Senate.
(Source: The Economic Times, India)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Pakistan PM eyes nuclear deal after India-U.S. pact
India's landmark nuclear trade agreement with the United States should open the way for a similar deal for Pakistan, the country's prime minister said on Thursday.
The U.S. Congress approved the deal late on Wednesday ending a three-decade ban on U.S. nuclear trade with India, unleashing billions of dollars of investment and drawing the world's biggest democracy closer to the West.
Critics say the deal does grave damage to global efforts to contain the spread of nuclear weapons, by letting India import nuclear fuel and technology even though it has tested nuclear weapons and never signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In nuclear-armed Pakistan, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the deal should not be seen as a cause for concern.
"You don't have to be worried about it," Gilani told reporters in his home town of Multan when asked about the deal.
Pakistan has fought three wars with India since their independence in 1947 and nearly went to war a fourth time in 2002. Their relations have improved since they began a peace process in early 2004.
"Pakistan will now be justified to also make a demand for a similar deal as we don't want discrimination," Gilani said.
"Pakistan will also now make efforts for a civil nuclear (deal) and they will have to accommodate us," he said.
Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in May 1998 in a tit-for-tat response to tests by India. Pakistan has also never signed up to the NPT.
Pakistan is one of the biggest recipients of U.S. aid and is a major ally in the U.S.-led campaign against militancy.
But in U.S. eyes, Pakistan cannot be treated like India because it lacks a long track record of democracy and nuclear non-proliferation.
A ring led by the scientist seen as the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan, smuggled bomb-suitable nuclear technology to unstable regions before it was smashed in 2004.
(Source: Reuters India)
The U.S. Congress approved the deal late on Wednesday ending a three-decade ban on U.S. nuclear trade with India, unleashing billions of dollars of investment and drawing the world's biggest democracy closer to the West.
Critics say the deal does grave damage to global efforts to contain the spread of nuclear weapons, by letting India import nuclear fuel and technology even though it has tested nuclear weapons and never signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In nuclear-armed Pakistan, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the deal should not be seen as a cause for concern.
"You don't have to be worried about it," Gilani told reporters in his home town of Multan when asked about the deal.
Pakistan has fought three wars with India since their independence in 1947 and nearly went to war a fourth time in 2002. Their relations have improved since they began a peace process in early 2004.
"Pakistan will now be justified to also make a demand for a similar deal as we don't want discrimination," Gilani said.
"Pakistan will also now make efforts for a civil nuclear (deal) and they will have to accommodate us," he said.
Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in May 1998 in a tit-for-tat response to tests by India. Pakistan has also never signed up to the NPT.
Pakistan is one of the biggest recipients of U.S. aid and is a major ally in the U.S.-led campaign against militancy.
But in U.S. eyes, Pakistan cannot be treated like India because it lacks a long track record of democracy and nuclear non-proliferation.
A ring led by the scientist seen as the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan, smuggled bomb-suitable nuclear technology to unstable regions before it was smashed in 2004.
(Source: Reuters India)
Friday, September 26, 2008
New nuclear commission set to meet in Sydney
India and Pakistan will attend an international nuclear disarmament conference for the first time in Sydney next month, Australia's government said Friday, even though the nuclear-armed foes have consistently shunned a nonproliferation treaty.
The 15-member International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament will meet Oct. 19-21 to "shape a global consensus" on improving the 28-year-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty before it is reviewed in 2010, the government said in a statement.
"The commission's two-year mandate is to reinvigorate the global debate on the need to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and for nuclear disarmament," Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was quoted as saying.
Australia's former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, will co-chair the event with Yoriko Kawaguchi, an ex-foreign minister in Japan, the government said. Senior Indian diplomat Brajesh Mishra and Pakistan's ex-army chief Jehangir Karamat are to be among the delegates.
Evans has recently said all nuclear powers — including those who have refused to join the nonproliferation treaty such as India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel — must be included in the new process if the world is to ever achieve disarmament.
Commissioners from five nuclear powers — United States, China, Russia, Britain and France — will attend, as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, South Africa and Mexico, the statement said.
Ron Huisken, a nuclear proliferation expert from the Australian National University's Strategic and Defense Studies Center, said the inclusion of India and Pakistan was significant because neither country had been directly involved in such negotiations since the treaty came into force in 1970.
"Somehow you have to bring them into a regime of restraint," said Huisken, who described India and Pakistan's inclusion as "very sensible."
"If they're going to reverse a pretty serious erosion of the whole nonproliferation drive, they do need to get all the players, both incipient and actual, into the exercise," he added.
The 190-nation nonproliferation treaty was established to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology and to further the goal of nuclear disarmament. It is reviewed every five years.
Under the treaty, only countries that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 are allowed to remain nuclear powers. India and Pakistan would have to disarm if they were to join.
(Source: AP)
The 15-member International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament will meet Oct. 19-21 to "shape a global consensus" on improving the 28-year-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty before it is reviewed in 2010, the government said in a statement.
"The commission's two-year mandate is to reinvigorate the global debate on the need to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and for nuclear disarmament," Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was quoted as saying.
Australia's former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, will co-chair the event with Yoriko Kawaguchi, an ex-foreign minister in Japan, the government said. Senior Indian diplomat Brajesh Mishra and Pakistan's ex-army chief Jehangir Karamat are to be among the delegates.
Evans has recently said all nuclear powers — including those who have refused to join the nonproliferation treaty such as India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel — must be included in the new process if the world is to ever achieve disarmament.
Commissioners from five nuclear powers — United States, China, Russia, Britain and France — will attend, as well as representatives from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, South Africa and Mexico, the statement said.
Ron Huisken, a nuclear proliferation expert from the Australian National University's Strategic and Defense Studies Center, said the inclusion of India and Pakistan was significant because neither country had been directly involved in such negotiations since the treaty came into force in 1970.
"Somehow you have to bring them into a regime of restraint," said Huisken, who described India and Pakistan's inclusion as "very sensible."
"If they're going to reverse a pretty serious erosion of the whole nonproliferation drive, they do need to get all the players, both incipient and actual, into the exercise," he added.
The 190-nation nonproliferation treaty was established to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology and to further the goal of nuclear disarmament. It is reviewed every five years.
Under the treaty, only countries that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 are allowed to remain nuclear powers. India and Pakistan would have to disarm if they were to join.
(Source: AP)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Pakistan considers buying N-power plants
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday met senior officials to discuss the possibility of buying nuclear plants to meet the country’s energy shortages.
Project: Sources told Daily Times that Gilani approved a satellite communications project and set up a committee to work out the modalities regarding the purchase of nuclear plants. The Reuters news agency quoted an official as saying that the committee would also decide on “the financial arrangements before a formal decision is made on the purchase of nuclear energy plants”.
The Planning Commission deputy chairman, the finance, foreign affairs and water and power secretaries and the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) director general comprise the committee that will execute financial arrangements before a formal decision is made regarding the purchase of nuclear energy plants and satellite communications system.
The prime minister was earlier briefed on nuclear energy and satellite communications projects by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Tariq Majeed, the Planning Commission deputy chairman and the SPD director at the Prime Minster’s House.
Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Finance Minister Naveed Qamar, federal secretaries and senior government officials also attended the meeting.
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
Project: Sources told Daily Times that Gilani approved a satellite communications project and set up a committee to work out the modalities regarding the purchase of nuclear plants. The Reuters news agency quoted an official as saying that the committee would also decide on “the financial arrangements before a formal decision is made on the purchase of nuclear energy plants”.
The Planning Commission deputy chairman, the finance, foreign affairs and water and power secretaries and the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) director general comprise the committee that will execute financial arrangements before a formal decision is made regarding the purchase of nuclear energy plants and satellite communications system.
The prime minister was earlier briefed on nuclear energy and satellite communications projects by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Tariq Majeed, the Planning Commission deputy chairman and the SPD director at the Prime Minster’s House.
Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Finance Minister Naveed Qamar, federal secretaries and senior government officials also attended the meeting.
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Islamabad seeks nuclear power deal with China
Islamabad is to seek from Beijing fuel technology for the future nuclear power plants during the forthcoming much trumpeted visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China, a senior government official at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) said yesterday.
“Pakistan is going to install two more nuclear power plants at Chashma, which are to be known as Chashma C-3 and C-4. These power plants will cost over Rs139bn, including foreign exchange component of Rs99.538bn,” the official said.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that met here on September 18 for the first time since the new government took over will take up the C-3 and C-4 projects for approval. The two projects would generate 600 MW of electricity. Each plant will comprise the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS), a turbine generator set and associated auxiliary equipment and installations.
The NSSS consists of a reactor and coolant loops connected in parallel to the reactor vessel. Each loop comprises a reactor coolant pump and steam generator.
The C-3 and C-4 will be completed in 8 years and they would provide electricity to the NTDC (National Transmission and Dispatch Company) at the rate of Rs6.06 per unit. The annual power generation of the project will be of 4,467.6mn kilowatt hours.
According to the official, the country has also planned to establish a Nuclear Power Fuel Complex (NPFC) at the cost of Rs51.298bn to locally fabricate fuel that will be used for the future nuclear power plants.
The Nuclear Power Fuel Complex under implementation consists of five components including chemical processing plants, enrichment plant, seamless tube plant-1, fuel fabrication plant and nuclear fuel testing plant.
(Source: Your Nuclear News)
“Pakistan is going to install two more nuclear power plants at Chashma, which are to be known as Chashma C-3 and C-4. These power plants will cost over Rs139bn, including foreign exchange component of Rs99.538bn,” the official said.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that met here on September 18 for the first time since the new government took over will take up the C-3 and C-4 projects for approval. The two projects would generate 600 MW of electricity. Each plant will comprise the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS), a turbine generator set and associated auxiliary equipment and installations.
The NSSS consists of a reactor and coolant loops connected in parallel to the reactor vessel. Each loop comprises a reactor coolant pump and steam generator.
The C-3 and C-4 will be completed in 8 years and they would provide electricity to the NTDC (National Transmission and Dispatch Company) at the rate of Rs6.06 per unit. The annual power generation of the project will be of 4,467.6mn kilowatt hours.
According to the official, the country has also planned to establish a Nuclear Power Fuel Complex (NPFC) at the cost of Rs51.298bn to locally fabricate fuel that will be used for the future nuclear power plants.
The Nuclear Power Fuel Complex under implementation consists of five components including chemical processing plants, enrichment plant, seamless tube plant-1, fuel fabrication plant and nuclear fuel testing plant.
(Source: Your Nuclear News)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pakistan: Two Chashma units to help generate 600 MW power
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is ready to initiate the ‘Chashma Nuclear Power Project Units 3 & 4’ of 300 MW each with financial assistance of China and the Pakistani government.
The total cost of the project that stands at Rs 139.011 billion includes Foreign Exchange Component (FEC) of Rs 99.538 billion and it would be completed within the stipulated period of eight years. The project consists of setting up total of 600 MW installed capacity consisting of two additional units with normal capacity of 300 MW each at the existing Chashma site in district Mianwali. Each unit will comprise of Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS), a turbine-generator set and the associated auxiliary equipment and installations, sources told Daily Times here on Friday.
The NSSS consists of a reactor and two coolant loops connected in parallel to the reactor vessel. Each loop consists of a reactor coolant pump and steam generator. Sources further informed that the design of C-3 and C-4 units is essentially same as that of the under-construction C-2. The C-2 design is an improved version of C-1. These improvements are based on feedback from C-1 and safety enhancements to meet the requirements of the Pakistan nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
The sources further informed that the some site infrastructure was already developed needing only incremental upgrading.
The government has already allocated Rs 200 million as token allocation in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2008-09 for the project in review.
About available facilities, the sources said that one nuclear power plant Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (CHASNUPP) unit-1 (C-1) of 300 MW was already operating while another similar unit C-2 was undergoing construction at the Chashma site. The cooling water for the two proposed 2X300 MW units would be obtained from the Chashma-Jhelum (C-J) Link Canal.
The project would help the government to reduce dependence on imported fuels for power generation and diversifying energy sources by enhancing use of nuclear power technology. It will also help in maximising new power generation capacity requirement from indigenous resources i.e. coal, local gas and renewable as well as from nuclear. The project in review will be presented in the CDWP meeting scheduled to be held on 18th of this month.
During the eight years of the project’s completion, the breakdown of capital cost of the project will be as: Rs 15.381 billion with FEC Rs 12.489 billion in 2008-09, Rs 17.284 billion with Rs 12.729 billion as FEC in 2009-10, Rs 21.382 billion with FEC Rs 15.186 billion in 2010-11, Rs 26.719 billion with FEC Rs 19.122 billion in 2011-12, Rs 21.688 billion with FEC Rs 15.342 billion during 2012-13, Rs 16.363 billion with Rs 11.530 billion as FEC in 2013-14, Rs 12.646 billion with Rs 8.564 billion as FEC in 2014-15 and Rs 7.548 billion with Rs 4.576 billion as FEC in 2015-16.
The sources further informed that the existing power generation capacity is not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand of the country. Therefore, there is a dire need to install/commission additional capacity in the power generation system. The power demand projection based on growth rate shows that power demand will increase from 15,183 MW in 2007-08 to about 20,000 MW in 2010-11 in the WAPDA system and severe shortage of power is expected in the next two years.
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
The total cost of the project that stands at Rs 139.011 billion includes Foreign Exchange Component (FEC) of Rs 99.538 billion and it would be completed within the stipulated period of eight years. The project consists of setting up total of 600 MW installed capacity consisting of two additional units with normal capacity of 300 MW each at the existing Chashma site in district Mianwali. Each unit will comprise of Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS), a turbine-generator set and the associated auxiliary equipment and installations, sources told Daily Times here on Friday.
The NSSS consists of a reactor and two coolant loops connected in parallel to the reactor vessel. Each loop consists of a reactor coolant pump and steam generator. Sources further informed that the design of C-3 and C-4 units is essentially same as that of the under-construction C-2. The C-2 design is an improved version of C-1. These improvements are based on feedback from C-1 and safety enhancements to meet the requirements of the Pakistan nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
The sources further informed that the some site infrastructure was already developed needing only incremental upgrading.
The government has already allocated Rs 200 million as token allocation in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2008-09 for the project in review.
About available facilities, the sources said that one nuclear power plant Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (CHASNUPP) unit-1 (C-1) of 300 MW was already operating while another similar unit C-2 was undergoing construction at the Chashma site. The cooling water for the two proposed 2X300 MW units would be obtained from the Chashma-Jhelum (C-J) Link Canal.
The project would help the government to reduce dependence on imported fuels for power generation and diversifying energy sources by enhancing use of nuclear power technology. It will also help in maximising new power generation capacity requirement from indigenous resources i.e. coal, local gas and renewable as well as from nuclear. The project in review will be presented in the CDWP meeting scheduled to be held on 18th of this month.
During the eight years of the project’s completion, the breakdown of capital cost of the project will be as: Rs 15.381 billion with FEC Rs 12.489 billion in 2008-09, Rs 17.284 billion with Rs 12.729 billion as FEC in 2009-10, Rs 21.382 billion with FEC Rs 15.186 billion in 2010-11, Rs 26.719 billion with FEC Rs 19.122 billion in 2011-12, Rs 21.688 billion with FEC Rs 15.342 billion during 2012-13, Rs 16.363 billion with Rs 11.530 billion as FEC in 2013-14, Rs 12.646 billion with Rs 8.564 billion as FEC in 2014-15 and Rs 7.548 billion with Rs 4.576 billion as FEC in 2015-16.
The sources further informed that the existing power generation capacity is not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand of the country. Therefore, there is a dire need to install/commission additional capacity in the power generation system. The power demand projection based on growth rate shows that power demand will increase from 15,183 MW in 2007-08 to about 20,000 MW in 2010-11 in the WAPDA system and severe shortage of power is expected in the next two years.
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
China, Pak. plan to set up corp to build nuke power plants
China and Pakistan plan to set up a corporation to build nuclear and coal-based power plants in this country, and Beijing has agreed to expedite the delivery of six atomic power plants of 300 MW each to its strategic ally.
The decision to form the China-Pakistan Power Plant Corporation was made during President Pervez Musharraf's visit to China last month. China also promised to help Pakistan achieve its target of generating 8,800 MW of nuclear power by 2030 by speeding up the delivery of the six nuclear plants, the sources said.
China earlier assisted Pakistan in setting up the Chashma-1 and Chashma-2 nuclear power plants with a capacity of 300 MW each. Several joint working groups and studies are being undertaken by the two countries to speed up cooperation in different fields, particularly the energy sector, the sources told the Dawn newspaper.
At the same time, Pakistan is building a USD 1.2 billion facility to develop the capability to manufacture full-cycle nuclear fuel and power plants, they said. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) will set up the Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex to attain 100 per cent capability to indigenously manufacture pressurised water reactors and nuclear power plants.
Pakistan made the decision to set up the Rs 36.1 billion Complex following the denial of technology by nuclear suppliers to all countries except favoured ones. The sources cited as an example the proposed US deal with India for civil nuclear technology sales.
The Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex will comprise a chemical processing plant, a fuel fabrication plant, a nuclear fuel testing project and the Seamless Tube Plant-1.
The decision to form the China-Pakistan Power Plant Corporation was made during President Pervez Musharraf's visit to China last month. China also promised to help Pakistan achieve its target of generating 8,800 MW of nuclear power by 2030 by speeding up the delivery of the six nuclear plants, the sources said.
China earlier assisted Pakistan in setting up the Chashma-1 and Chashma-2 nuclear power plants with a capacity of 300 MW each. Several joint working groups and studies are being undertaken by the two countries to speed up cooperation in different fields, particularly the energy sector, the sources told the Dawn newspaper.
At the same time, Pakistan is building a USD 1.2 billion facility to develop the capability to manufacture full-cycle nuclear fuel and power plants, they said. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) will set up the Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex to attain 100 per cent capability to indigenously manufacture pressurised water reactors and nuclear power plants.
Pakistan made the decision to set up the Rs 36.1 billion Complex following the denial of technology by nuclear suppliers to all countries except favoured ones. The sources cited as an example the proposed US deal with India for civil nuclear technology sales.
The Pakistan Nuclear Power Fuel Complex will comprise a chemical processing plant, a fuel fabrication plant, a nuclear fuel testing project and the Seamless Tube Plant-1.
(Source: The Hindu)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
China promises Pakistan help to set up 4 new N-power plants
China is learnt to have assured Pakistan all help and support to set up at least four new nuclear power plants to meet its "growing energy demands".
In case an agreement is inked between the two countries on nuclear energy cooperation, the two new nuclear power units of 320 MW each would be established at Chashma and Karachi, reported The Nation.
The request was formally made by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during his recent visit to China, where he reportedly held extensive talks with the top Chinese leadership on the vital issue
"Islamabad's request for more Chinese nuclear power reactors is meant to bridge the widening gap between the demand and supply of energy. The Chinese friends have been asked to help Pakistan establish at least four more nuclear power plants of nearly 1300 MW and their response was positive," the paper quoted a senior Pakistani official as saying here last evening.
He said that Islamabad and Beijing would now carry forward the dialogue on important issues in the weeks to come that could lead to the finalisation of landmark accord between the two sides.
Islamabad and Beijing, the friendly neighbouring states, have been engaged in nuclear energy cooperation for many years. It was back in 2000 when the first reactor of Chashma Nuclear Power Complex was commissioned. A Chinese company has been working on the second phase of that plant after the two sides signed a contract to jointly launch the project in 2004.
Currently Pakistan depends mainly on hydel power generation to meet its energy needs, but its power generation had dropped considerably because of water shortage in the country. "Hence Pakistan is now in the process of exploring coal, nuclear, wind and solar energy resources to increase its power generation," the official said and added: "Presently, the country is facing a power shortage of 1,500MW to 2,000MW and it is feared to grow alarmingly if timely steps like installation of more nuclear power plants are not taken to improve the situation."
(Source: India Economic Times)
In case an agreement is inked between the two countries on nuclear energy cooperation, the two new nuclear power units of 320 MW each would be established at Chashma and Karachi, reported The Nation.
The request was formally made by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during his recent visit to China, where he reportedly held extensive talks with the top Chinese leadership on the vital issue
"Islamabad's request for more Chinese nuclear power reactors is meant to bridge the widening gap between the demand and supply of energy. The Chinese friends have been asked to help Pakistan establish at least four more nuclear power plants of nearly 1300 MW and their response was positive," the paper quoted a senior Pakistani official as saying here last evening.
He said that Islamabad and Beijing would now carry forward the dialogue on important issues in the weeks to come that could lead to the finalisation of landmark accord between the two sides.
Islamabad and Beijing, the friendly neighbouring states, have been engaged in nuclear energy cooperation for many years. It was back in 2000 when the first reactor of Chashma Nuclear Power Complex was commissioned. A Chinese company has been working on the second phase of that plant after the two sides signed a contract to jointly launch the project in 2004.
Currently Pakistan depends mainly on hydel power generation to meet its energy needs, but its power generation had dropped considerably because of water shortage in the country. "Hence Pakistan is now in the process of exploring coal, nuclear, wind and solar energy resources to increase its power generation," the official said and added: "Presently, the country is facing a power shortage of 1,500MW to 2,000MW and it is feared to grow alarmingly if timely steps like installation of more nuclear power plants are not taken to improve the situation."
(Source: India Economic Times)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Musharraf eyes more nuclear power plants with Chinese help
President Pervez Musharraf, who embarked on a 6-day state visit to China on Thursday, said he would seek Chinese help to build more nuclear power plants in the country.
Currently China is building second nuclear power plant at Chashma, 280 kilometers south-west of Islamabad, in the eastern Punjab province.
"With 300 Mega Watt Chashma power project already in place and work underway on Chashma-II we will also have talks on the costing of Chashma-III and Chashma-IV as well as discussing a future 1000 MW project," President Musharraf told reporters before his departure for China.
The construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (CHASNUPP-1), the second nuclear power plant in Pakistan, was started in 1992 with the help of China. It has been in commercial operation since September 2000.
The construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Project Unit-2 (CHASNUPP-2) started after the ground breaking ceremony on April 8, 2005.
CHASNUPP-1 is a two-loop PWR plant with gross output of 325 MWe & net output of 300 MWe and life span of 40 years.
"I would exchange views with the Chinese leadership to discuss ways and means to boost cooperation in the energy sector," President Musharraf said.
He said Pakistan is also planning to establish one thousand megawatt nuclear power plant in future and he will hold discussions about this project as well.
China is a major source of investment, trade and defence for Pakistan. Bilateral trade between the two countries has touched US 6.5 billion dollars.
Pakistan and China signed a free trade pact in 2006 and hope to raise two-way trade to $15 billion within the next five years.
This week, a Shanghai shipyard launched the first of four F- 22P frigates to be delivered to Pakistan.
The fourth and last vessel will be completed at a Karachi shipyard in 2013.
The Pakistan Air Force has inducted into its fleet a fighter aircraft, called JF-17 Thunder, that is co-produced with China.
The President said that he would hold talks with the Chinese leadership on every facet of the broad-based relations between the two countries including cooperation in the establishment of three more nuclear power plants.
To a question, he said Pakistan and China enjoy close relations and he will have an all inclusive talks with Chinese leaders on bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
(Source: Islamic Republic News Agency)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Nuke Plant Accident Kills 2 In Pakistan
A gas leakage killed at least two people at a heavy water plant in the central part of Pakistan's Punjab province on Tuesday, prompting fresh concerns over the safety of the country's nuclear program.
But a senior Pakistani official said the heavy water plant near a town called Khushab was closed at the time of the leakage when it was undergoing annual maintenance, suggesting that the leakage did not take place when the plant was actively in operation. The official also said there was no indication of any radiation leak which would endanger the lives of people living around the facility.
"We have ordered an inquiry in to this matter and we await the results of that inquiry before we can say more" said the official speaking to CBS News on condition of anonymity. "I can assure you however that the situation is completely under control."
Western diplomats warned that Tuesday's incident would revive international concerns over the safety of Pakistan's nuclear program which has been a widely discussed subject in diplomatic circles during the past year as political instability has gripped the country.
(read more)
(Source: CBSNews)
But a senior Pakistani official said the heavy water plant near a town called Khushab was closed at the time of the leakage when it was undergoing annual maintenance, suggesting that the leakage did not take place when the plant was actively in operation. The official also said there was no indication of any radiation leak which would endanger the lives of people living around the facility.
"We have ordered an inquiry in to this matter and we await the results of that inquiry before we can say more" said the official speaking to CBS News on condition of anonymity. "I can assure you however that the situation is completely under control."
Western diplomats warned that Tuesday's incident would revive international concerns over the safety of Pakistan's nuclear program which has been a widely discussed subject in diplomatic circles during the past year as political instability has gripped the country.
(read more)
(Source: CBSNews)
Nuclear power plants of 1280MW: Pakistan to seek financing from China
Pakistan has decided to seek major chunk of financing from China for setting up four new nuclear power units of 1280MW to bridge gap between supply and demand, sources told Daily Times on Tuesday.
Sources said that Pakistan would place request before Chinese authorities during the upcoming visit of President Pervez Musharraf to China.
Sources said that proposed nuclear units of 320MW each would be set up to generate 1280MW power by nuclear resources under the vision 2030. Two units of 320MW each will be set up in Chashma and two units will be established in Karachi.
They said that Finance Ministry is working on the process of getting financing from different countries including China and it would also chalk out the strategy to generate financing through joint venture by different countries.
The first phase project of Chashma Nuclear Plant was commissioned in September 2000. Chinese Company is already working on second phase of Chashma nuclear power plant and in May 2004,Pakistan and China signed a contract to jointly build the second phase project of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant. China agreed to provide $350 million credit and will complete the project in 2011.
(read more)
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
Sources said that Pakistan would place request before Chinese authorities during the upcoming visit of President Pervez Musharraf to China.
Sources said that proposed nuclear units of 320MW each would be set up to generate 1280MW power by nuclear resources under the vision 2030. Two units of 320MW each will be set up in Chashma and two units will be established in Karachi.
They said that Finance Ministry is working on the process of getting financing from different countries including China and it would also chalk out the strategy to generate financing through joint venture by different countries.
The first phase project of Chashma Nuclear Plant was commissioned in September 2000. Chinese Company is already working on second phase of Chashma nuclear power plant and in May 2004,Pakistan and China signed a contract to jointly build the second phase project of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant. China agreed to provide $350 million credit and will complete the project in 2011.
(read more)
(Source: Daily Times, Pakistan)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Nuclear news 19-12-2007
This newsblock is mainly devoted to Iranian nuclear fuel delivery and it's political concequences - the US still demands sanctions on Iran in front of the UN while as for Russia and China it is obvious that Iran just like any other nation of the world has the right to proceed own peaceful nuclear program with enough technical assistance from foreign specialists. So far nuclear power is the only cost-efficient alternative to oil and gas,which becomes more an more obvious as such nations as India and Pakistan head on building new reactors. Although nuclear power is still a political issue which makes me think that the Cold War is to be continued - opposition Russia-US as two major nuclear export players in the game can be clearly seen in the news below.
(Alexandra Prokopenko)
Iran: Delivery of nuclear fuel - blow to American policy
Al Bawaba (Jordan)
Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council for International Affairs Javad Vaeedi said on Tuesday that delivery of nuclear fuel to Bushehr power plant would prevent a consensus on issuance of next UNSC resolution against Iran. Speaking to reporters, he said: "If the next UNSC resolution requires consensus, Russia will have to offer more evidences to approve it."
Iran to build nuclear power plant within 8 years: Saeedi
www.ISNA.ir
Bushehr power plant will be operated coming Iranian new year and Iran will be able to construct average nuclear power plants within 8 years, the international deputy of Iran's atomic energy organization said.
Besides launching bids among foreign companies to establish more nuclear power plants, Iran intends to cede the responsibility of building a number of stations including a small reactor in Iran's central city Araq to its own experts, Mohammad Saeedi pointed.
Plan panel pitches for Indo-US nuclear deal
The Hindu
The Planning Commission on Tuesday pitched for the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, saying the agreement will open doors for supply of fuel needed to augment the country's power generation capacity.
"The nuclear deal will remove restrictions on supplies... (otherwise) we will be limited to existing supplies," Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, told reporters on the eve of the National Development Council (NDC) meeting to discuss the 11th Five-Year Plan.
"We have stated the factual position (in the draft document)," he said when asked to comment on the observations made in the draft document which states that India is making efforts to import nuclear fuel for power plants.
Security excellent at all nuclear plants: Musharraf
Daily Times, Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday that Pakistan stands as a respectable nuclear state having excellent safety and security standards at all its nuclear power plants.“Pakistan’s nuclear safety regulatory infrastructure is effective, functional and respected by the world bodies,” said the president while addressing a gathering at the Chashma Nuclear Plant-II. The president, who is also the country’s National Command Authority chairman, said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) should work in unison towards the cherished goal.
(Alexandra Prokopenko)
Iran: Delivery of nuclear fuel - blow to American policy
Al Bawaba (Jordan)
Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council for International Affairs Javad Vaeedi said on Tuesday that delivery of nuclear fuel to Bushehr power plant would prevent a consensus on issuance of next UNSC resolution against Iran. Speaking to reporters, he said: "If the next UNSC resolution requires consensus, Russia will have to offer more evidences to approve it."
Iran to build nuclear power plant within 8 years: Saeedi
www.ISNA.ir
Bushehr power plant will be operated coming Iranian new year and Iran will be able to construct average nuclear power plants within 8 years, the international deputy of Iran's atomic energy organization said.
Besides launching bids among foreign companies to establish more nuclear power plants, Iran intends to cede the responsibility of building a number of stations including a small reactor in Iran's central city Araq to its own experts, Mohammad Saeedi pointed.
Plan panel pitches for Indo-US nuclear deal
The Hindu
The Planning Commission on Tuesday pitched for the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, saying the agreement will open doors for supply of fuel needed to augment the country's power generation capacity.
"The nuclear deal will remove restrictions on supplies... (otherwise) we will be limited to existing supplies," Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, told reporters on the eve of the National Development Council (NDC) meeting to discuss the 11th Five-Year Plan.
"We have stated the factual position (in the draft document)," he said when asked to comment on the observations made in the draft document which states that India is making efforts to import nuclear fuel for power plants.
Security excellent at all nuclear plants: Musharraf
Daily Times, Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday that Pakistan stands as a respectable nuclear state having excellent safety and security standards at all its nuclear power plants.“Pakistan’s nuclear safety regulatory infrastructure is effective, functional and respected by the world bodies,” said the president while addressing a gathering at the Chashma Nuclear Plant-II. The president, who is also the country’s National Command Authority chairman, said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) should work in unison towards the cherished goal.
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