Pakistan’s nuclear power sector has now achieved a new milestone in 2024, producing 21.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity — the highest ever in the annals of the history of a country.
The figure was revealed in the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR) 2025, which praised the growth but also highlighted deep challenges in costs and the growing competition from solar energy.
Nuclear Growth with Chinese Support
Pakistan currently operates six nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 3.3 gigawatts (GW). In 2024, their contribution to the national grid rose to 17 percent, up from 16.2 percent the year before. All of these reactors were built with the help of China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The fleet includes two modern Hualong One reactors near Karachi (Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3) and four CNP-300 reactors at Chashma. A new 1,200MW Hualong One unit (Chashma-5) officially began construction in December 2024 — China’s only overseas nuclear project currently under development.
However, the project has been controversial. Estimated at a staggering Rs1.125 trillion ($4 billion), much of it financed through Chinese credit, critics argue it is diverting funds from renewable projects that could deliver cheaper electricity more quickly.
Read more: Pakistan begins construction of $3.7 billion Chashma-5 nuclear plant with China’s help
Global Context: Solar Rising, Nuclear Struggling
The WNISR kept on stressing that while Pakistan’s nuclear sector is expanding, the global energy transition is leaving nuclear behind. In 2024, investments in non-hydro renewables reached $728 billion, more than 20 times the global investment in nuclear energy.
Solar and wind combined added 565GW of new capacity, compared to just 5.4GW from nuclear. Renewables also outperformed nuclear in electricity generation — producing 70 percent more power worldwide.
A key factor driving this shift is falling battery storage costs, which dropped by 40 percent last year. This makes renewable systems far more flexible and easier to integrate than nuclear, which struggles with high costs, long delays, and centralized control models.
Pakistan’s Solar Revolution
Perhaps the most striking finding of the report relates to Pakistan’s own energy market. Despite record nuclear production, the country is witnessing a grassroots solar boom.
In 2024 alone, Pakistan imported 22GW worth of solar panels — nearly half the capacity of its entire public power grid. Much of this was installed “behind the meter” in homes, factories, and businesses, helping households escape soaring grid electricity bills and frequent outages.
As a result, public grid demand dropped by 10 percent between 2022 and 2023, even though the economy continued to grow. This signals a major shift in consumer behavior as more citizens turn to private renewable solutions.
Renewable Mix Expands
Pakistan’s total renewable capacity reached 15.2GW in 2024, up from 14.2GW in 2023. Hydropower dominates with 11.5GW, but solar is the fastest-growing source, climbing to 1.4GW. Wind power has stagnated at 1.8GW for the last two years.
The WNISR summarizes that Pakistan’s energy system has reached a tipping point. While nuclear power is breaking all records, the momentum globally and locally- is shifting decisively toward solar and decentralized renewables. For policymakers, the challenge now is managing this rapid transition while making certain affordability, stability, and access for all.