2200MW nuclear power plants in Karachi to 'start generating electricity by 2018'

Project being completed under CPEC at a cost of Rs9 billion

Work on two nuclear power projects in Karachi with a cumulative capacity of 2200MW is underway, and are expected to start producing electricity by the end of 2018.

According to Radio Pakistan, the power plants are being completed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects at a cost of over $9 billion.

The project will connect China's Xinjiang region with Gwadar through a network of rail, road and pipeline projects.

Similarly, work on a 1320MW coal-based power plant at port Qasim in Karachi, and a 1320MW coal-based power project in the Thar coal field is also continuing.

Earlier in March, the International Atomic Energy Agency approved Pakistan’s request for the application of safeguards for K-2 and K-3 nuclear power plant units, according to an official handout.

These power plants, the Foreign Office had said, would serve as an important vehicle to help meet Pakistan’s increasing energy needs and support sustained economic growth and industrial development.