The third main pump at the Karachi K3 reactor unit gets the green light on March 30. [Photo/CNNC]

The third main pump at the China-built K3 reactor unit of the Karachi nuclear power plant in Pakistan successfully got official approval and was handed over to Pakistan on March 30, according to local reports.

The facility was designed and manufactured by China National Nuclear Corporation, or CNNC, and Harbin Electric Power Equipment Company Limited.

The Karachi K3 reactor is an overseas demonstration project that has adopted Hualong One technology, also known as HPR 1000, a China-developed third-generation reactor design.

Experts said the successful test marked the point at which all six main pumps of K2 and K3 units at the Karachi nuclear power plant were designed and manufactured by China, meaning a new leap forward in the country’s capabilities in designing and producing nuclear power equipment.

They said the successful test has created favorable conditions for subsequent hot performance tests.