Pakistan’s Nuclear Output Hits Record 22.5 TWh
Pakistan’s nuclear electricity production rose 3.7 percent to a record 22.5 terawatt‑hours (TWh) in 2025, up from 21.7 TWh in 2024, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2026. The same report notes that solar power generation expanded even faster, reaching 36.3 TWh and becoming the country’s largest source of electricity for the first time. Pakistan operates six reactors with a combined capacity of 3,262 MW, all built by China National Nuclear Corporation. The new Hualong One reactors K‑2 and K‑3, commissioned in 2022 and 2023, are the main drivers of the growth.
Pakistan’s nuclear program began in 1954 and has since grown to six operating reactors, including the Hualong One designs and the older Chashma complex. The country’s reliance on imported solar panels—over 58 GW from China between 2017 and mid‑2026—has fueled a rapid expansion of rooftop and utility‑scale installations. While the debt associated with the K‑2 and K‑3 reactors represents only 20 percent of their 60‑year economic life, it underscores the long‑term financing challenges of large‑scale nuclear projects. Globally, the United States, France and China dominate nuclear capacity, but Pakistan’s recent output gains signal a maturing domestic industry.
The record nuclear output and the surge in solar generation highlight Pakistan’s dual strategy of expanding reliable baseload power while accelerating renewable adoption. Higher nuclear output reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, potentially easing energy price volatility, whereas the solar boom offers a cost‑effective, low‑carbon alternative that can support economic growth and grid stability. Together, these trends position Pakistan to meet rising electricity demand, improve energy security, and align with international climate commitments.
