Islamabad, Jan 6: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) plans to construct the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant-5 (C-5), which will have a 1,200 MW capacity, at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.12 trillion. The project is set to be completed within 81 months. PAEC has submitted a petition to NEPRA to approve a levelized tariff of Rs. 16.73 per unit for the new plant, which will remain in effect for 40 years. The tariff structure includes Rs. 19.82 per unit for the initial 12 years and Rs. 9.63 per unit for the subsequent 28 years. NEPRA has granted approval for this request.
Project Financing:
- The financing will consist of 19% equity and 81% debt.
- The debt portion will be provided by China at an interest rate of 3%, with a repayment period of 12 years and an 8-year grace period.
Budget Breakdown:
- Rs. 965.8 billion allocated for EPC costs.
- Rs. 69.4 billion for non-EPC costs.
- Rs. 89.5 billion for interest during construction.
Exchange Rates Assumed:
- Rs. 280 per US dollar.
- Rs. 38.50 per Chinese RMB.
- RMB 7.27 per US dollar.
PAEC has requested a 14.50% annual return on equity, with the repayment of equity planned over 28 years.
The Chashma Nuclear Power Generating Station, located in Punjab, currently operates four units, each with a 300 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, totaling a combined capacity of 1,200 MW.
