KARACHI, Dec 3: The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp), built with Canadian assistance, has begun operating after remaining shut for almost a year, and is now providing 50mw electricity to the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation which is unable to generate enough electricity to meet the requirement of its clients.

The general manager of KNPC, Waqar Murtaza Butt, said the plant, which was closed on December 12, 2005 for its Re-licensing Outage (RLO) and became operational on Saturday, had started providing electricity to the KESC to enable the utility to meet electricity shortfall in the city.

Mr Butt claimed that following improvements and safety upgrades Kanupp’s life had been extended further and it was expected to continue operating “safely and efficiently” for another 10 to 15 years beyond its designed life, in line with the current international standards, after relicensing by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.