– File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) on Saturday granted a licence to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for operating the second unit of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

PNRA chairman Mohammad Anwar Habib gave the licence to PAEC chairman Dr Anser Pervez at a ceremony in Islamabad.

Having the capacity to generate 325 megawatts of electricity, the power plant (C-II) in Mianwali district has adequate immunity against accidents, including disasters like the one that devastated the Fukushima plant in Japan, according to a PNRA statement.

The grant of licence to C-II showed that the plant was equipped with immaculate processes and that the PNRA was satisfied about the safety of its operations, said the statement.

The grant of the ‘operating licence’ was preceded by issuance of a ‘construction licence’ in March 2006, issuance of a fuel load permit in late 2010 and provision of grid connection in March 2011.

The C-II has better design than C-I, which has been operating safely for the last ten years and has a good record, according to the statement. The design of C-II incorporates several improvements made on the basis of international and national experiences, standards and practices.

Through its thorough review, assessment and inspection regime, the PNRA has ensured safety during all phases of the process leading up to the grant of the ‘operating licence’, including site selection, designing, construction, installation and operation of the plant.

According to the PNRA, the site is safe from natural and manmade hazards, and the design is robust and based on proven technology. The construction, installation and commissioning has been conducted as per international standards.

The operations of the plant would not pose any additional risk of radiation to the environment, said the statement.