Category: Energy and Power

A new report has identi?ed a stark disparity in climate vulnerability and ?nancial capacity; and countries highly exposed to climate effects, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan are the least equipped to manage these risks.

the report, ‘Climate Finance Synthesis Report: Needs, Flow and Gaps in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Countries’, was launched at the ‘Enhancing Climate Actions in the Hindu Kush Himalaya’ conference held in Paro, Bhutan recently. Afghanistan and Bangladesh face signi?cant challenges, with the lowest readiness scores (0.214 and 0.207) and higher vulnerability (0.586 and 0.554 India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan show moderate levels of readiness and vulnerability, re?ecting mix of capacities and risks across the region.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have signed an agreement to conduct a study on gas consumption by unmetered residential consumers. Under the study, BUET will install 2,000 prepaid gas meters on a random basis to assess actual gas usage by residential customers.

the agreement was signed on 6 January at the BERC conference room. The signing ceremony was attended by BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed, Commission Members Md.

abdur Razzak, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Syeda Sultana Razia, and Brigadier General (Retd.) Mohammad Shahid Sarwar, along with senior of?cials from both BERC and BUET.

the ?ndings of the BUET study are expected to play a decisive role in resolving the long-standing debate over gas consumption by unmetered residential users.

Energy crises are often discussed in megawatts and million cubic feet. But in Bangladesh, the crisis has now revealed its most human face – in kitchens without ?ames. When households cannot cook regular meals, energy policy stops being abstract and becomes deeply personal.

the current shortages of piped gas, LPG and even electric cooking appliances re?ect not just a temporary disruption but years of fragmented planning and misplaced priorities. For decades, piped gas was treated as a permanent solution for urban households. LPG was promoted as the fallback, yet left entirely to market forces. When sanctions, shipping constraints and ?nancial stress converged, the system cracked.

electric cooking, long discussed as part of the clean energy transition, arrived not by design but by desperation What makes this moment alarming is not only the severity of the shortage but the absence of resilience. Households have no affordable, reliable option to switch to when one fuel fails.

that is a policy failure. Clean cooking is a Sustainable Development Goal, but it must also be treated as a national energy-security priority The way forward requires abandoning fuel silos. Piped gas, LPG, and electric cooking must compete on transparent pricing. Cooking fuel should be recognized as green energy, eligible for ?nancing support and long-term planning.

above all policymakers must accept a hard truth: Bangladesh can no longer promise gas in every kitchen. What it must promise instead is reliability, choice, and dignity-so that no family is left wondering how to cook the next meal.

The Governments of Bangladesh and Germany have signed grant agreements worth a total of pound 21.77 million for ?ve development projects proposed by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit).

the projects include Policy Advisory for Promoting Energy Ef?ciency and Renewable Energy (PAP) II, Strengthening Urban Integration Capacities of Internally Displaced Persons and Supporting Host Communities (INTEGRATE), Professional Education in Industrial and Environmental Safety (PRECISE), Green Room Air-Conditioning (GRACE), and Digital Skills to Succeed in Asia (DS2S).

the agreements were signed recently at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. On behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of ERD, signed the agreements, while Mr HeinrichJuergen Schilling, Country Director of GIZ Dhaka Of?ce, signed on behalf of the German Government.

the PAP II project will be implemented under the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2029

Bangladesh recently reinstated approvals for 11 solar plants with a combined capacity of 918 MW after developers agreed to lower tariffs, in a move expected to save the government BDT 11.69 billion ($96.2 million) per year.

the Advisers’ Council Committee on Government Purchase said the tariff reductions will save the government BDT 11.69 billion annually in power purchase costs from these plants.

according to Power Division officials, the average tariff for the projects had been $0.11/kWh. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, said that under the renegotiated terms, power purchase costs from the 12 power plants will decrease by about $0.03/kWh. ‘Since LNG is costly, we are focusing on generating power from solar,’ he told reporters after the meeting.

after taking office in August 2024, the current government canceled approvals for 34 power plants with a combined capacity of 5,681 MW, claiming that they had been approved through unsolicited proposals and were burdened with excessively high tariffs.

the 11 solar power plants reinstated were among those previously canceled, and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will purchase electricity from all of them for 20 years.

Eight people, including seven members of a family, suffered burn injuries in an explosion caused by a suspected gas line leakage at a tin-shed house in Agargaon recently.

the blast occurred at a government quarter on Paka Market Road.

the injured were taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

the victims are Md Abdul Jalil Mia, 50; his wife Arneeza Begum, 40; their sons Asif, 19, and Sakib, 16; Asif’s wife Monira, 17; their granddaughters Eva, 6, and Isha, 6; and neighbor Firozul Alam, 35. Dr Harunur Rashid, resident surgeon at DMCH, said Firozul suffered 21 percent burns, Jalil 12 percent, and Arneeza 10 percent.

others received burns on their hands and legs. Jalil’s son-in-law, Arfan Mia, said Arneeza went to the kitchen to cook early in the morning while others were asleep.

as she lit a match, a powerful explosion occurred, triggering a blaze and injuring all eight. Neighbors rushed in to rescue them.

The Swiss group acquired Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa.

the financial terms of the deal were not revealed. Switzerland-based industrial conglomerate ABB announced it has completed the acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

the deal, which was initially revealed in December 2024, is expected to strengthen ABB’s position and help it expand in the growing market for high-power renewable energy conversion technology. ‘The acquired portfolio includes power conversion products such as wind converters for doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), industrial battery energy storage systems (BESS), and utility-scale solar inverters,’ ABB said in a statement. ‘The transaction brings in around 400 employees, including key resources in Spain, India, China, the United States and Australia, and two converter factories in Madrid and Valencia.

aBB has also entered into a supply and services agreement with Siemens Gamesa.’ ABB also revealed that Gamesa Electric generated revenues of approximately pound 145 million ($168.4 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

Ba ngladesh is constructing its first commercial nuclear power installation (2×VVER-1200) at Rooppur, Pabna, which is expected to operate fully by 2026.

the national plan also includes a second nuclear plant, contributing to at least 10% of total electricity from nuclear sources by 2040. Radioactive waste management is therefore becoming increasingly important. While there is a general agreement that spent fuel from RNPP will be shipped back to the Russian Federation under intergovernmental agreements, Bangladesh must still independently manage LILW, i.e., disused sealed radiation sources (DSRS), waste generated from the 3 MW TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, and medical, industrial, and research radioactive waste streams. Bangladesh recently approved national policies assigning BAEC responsibility for developing RW management strategies and technical capacities.

the selection of a suitable geologic medium, particularly for near-surface disposal structures, is therefore an essential research priority. Near-surface disposal involves placing low and intermediatelevel radioactive waste in shallow repositories, typically at depths of up to a few hundred meters below the surface.

these types of waste have relatively short-lived radionuclides that decay quickly, so they don’t require long-term isolation. It is often situated on land where the waste is relatively easy to access for monitoring and management.

the waste is often placed in engineered barriers like concrete vaults or steel containers to prevent contact with groundwater or surface water.

the site is then sealed with soil or other materials to minimize exposure.

the advantage of near-surface disposal is lower cost compared to deep geological disposal, easier to construct, monitor, and manage, and shorter planning and construction periods. However, near-surface disposal is limited to low- and intermediate-level waste (not for high-level waste), is more vulnerable to surface disturbances (e.g., weathering, erosion, human activities), and potential for contamination of groundwater over time if not properly sealed. Basic concept of geological disposal of RW On the other hand, deep geological disposal involves placing high-level radioactive waste (HLW) deep underground, typically several hundred to thousands of meters below the earth’s surface, in stable geological formations. Primarily for high-level waste, which includes spent nuclear fuel and other materials from reactors that remain highly radioactive for thousands to millions of years.

these sites are typically located in geologically stable regions (e.g., deep sedimentary rock, granite, or salt formations) where the conditions are unlikely to change significantly over the long term.

the sites need to have very low seismic activity, minimal groundwater movement, and minimal potential for human interference.

in this system, waste is placed in canisters, which are then sealed in tunnels or vaults deep underground. Overlying rock layers act as a natural barrier to radiation, while engineered barriers (like bentonite clay) provide additional protection.

the goal is to isolate the waste for thousands to millions of years, well beyond the life of human-made structuresGlobal Geological Disposal Practices Using Clay Clay formations are widely recognized globally as one of the most promising host rocks for RW disposal due to their intrinsic physical, chemical, and geo-mechanical properties. Various countries are actively pursuing the use of natural clay in waste disposal systems. Finland has made significant strides in utilizing natural clay as part of its deep geological disposal strategy.

the Onkalo repository, located in the bedrock of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, is the world’s first deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste (HLW).

the repository is designed to safely store waste for up to 100,000 years.

the Onkalo site utilizes bentonite clay (a smectite-rich clay) as a key component of the engineered barrier system (EBS). Bentonite’s low permeability, high swelling capacity, and ability to adsorb radionuclides make it an ideal material for preventing groundwater flow and ensuring the long-term isolation of radioactive waste.

extensive testing, including laboratory experiments and field trials, has demonstrated that bentonite will remain stable under the expected conditions at Onkalo, with its swelling properties providing selfsealing capabilities in case of cracks or gaps. Finland’s Onkalo project is regarded as a model for safe geological disposal, and its successful implementation of natural clay has set a global standard for future nuclear waste management projects. Sweden is also actively pursuing the use of natural clay in radioactive waste disposal, with the Forsmark repository being a key project for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

the repository is designed to be located at a depth of approximately 500 meters within the Swedish bedrock, where it will store radioactive waste for the long term. Like Finland, Sweden is using bentonite clay as a primary sealing material.

the clay is intended to form part of the EBS, alongside a thick layer of granite bedrock, to isolate the waste.

the Cigéo repository in France will use bentonite clay as part of the multi-barrier system, which includes a combination of rock and engineered materials. Bentonite is expected to act as a buffer between the waste containers and the surrounding rock, helping to prevent water from migrating and spreading contamination.

the French nuclear waste management agency (ANDRA) has been researching to understand the long-term performance of bentonite clay, particularly in relation to its behavior under high radiation and temperature conditions.

this is especially important as the waste will generate heat, which could affect the clay’s properties over time.

the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada was a proposed site for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in the United States. While the project has been politically and legally stalled for years, its design included extensive use of natural clay as a sealing material.

the proposed design for Yucca Mountain included a bentonite clay buffer, which was meant to reduce water flow and limit the migration of radionuclides.

the Opalinus Clay in Switzerland selected for HLW, spent fuel, and ILW disposal, exhibits extremely low permeability (10-13-10-11m/s) and diffusive transport-dominated migration.

the Swiss concept uses a bentonite-sand buffer around steel canisters. Boom Clay in Belgium (poorly indurated clay) was chosen for HLW and LILW, which was selected due to favorable porosity, homogeneity, retention capacity, and mechanical properties. Japan’s disposal research focuses on Neogene marine clay formations and bentonite-based engineered barriers. Studies evaluate coupled thermal and mechanical responses of bentonite under simulated repository conditions (JAEA, 2019). Clay Mineralogy and Behavior Relevant to RW Disposal Natural clays, particularly those rich in smectite minerals (e.g., montmorillonite), are characterized by several important properties that make them suitable for radioactive waste containment: Low Permeability: Clays are known for their very low hydraulic conductivity, which is a key factor in preventing the migration of radioactive isotopes.

the tightly packed mineral structure of clay forms a barrier that limits the flow of water and contaminants, reducing the possibility of leaching. High Ion-Exchange Capacity: Clays have a high cation-exchange capacity (CEC), meaning they can adsorb and immobilize a wide variety of ions, including radionuclides.

this property is crucial for reducing the mobility of radioactive elements such as cesium, strontium, and uranium. Stability under Long-Term Conditions: Natural clays, particularly those formed in stable geological environments, are generally resistant to chemical weathering and physical disruption.

their stability under both anoxic and alkaline conditions makes them ideal for long-term waste containment, where the material must remain intact for thousands to millions of years. Swelling and Self-Healing Properties: Certain clays, especially smectites, exhibit a unique ability to swell when in contact with water.

this can enhance their sealing capacity, as the swelling clays can close up cracks and gaps in the barrier.

this selfhealing ability can improve the integrity of the containment system over time.

abundance and Cost-Effectiveness: Natural clays are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other engineered materials.

this makes them an attractive option for large-scale waste disposal projects. Several types of natural clays have been considered for use in radioactive waste disposal systems.

among the most commonly studied are: Smectite Clays (e.g., Montmorillonite): Montmorillonite, a member of the smectite group, is particularly well-suited for radioactive waste containment due to its high swelling capacity, ion-exchange properties, and low permeability. Smectites are widely used in both laboratory and field tests for evaluating the effectiveness of clay-based barrier systems.

illite Clays: Illite clays are also considered for waste disposal applications, although they tend to have a lower swelling capacity than smectites.

they are often found in environments with more stable physical and chemical conditions, which makes them suitable for certain geological formations. Kaolinite and Chlorite Clays: Kaolinite and chlorite clays are less commonly used but are being studied for their potential in low-level radioactive waste disposal.

they have a relatively low ion-exchange capacity compared to smectites, but may still offer suitable containment properties under specific conditions. Major clay types and their repository applications.

the suitability and challenges of natural clays for radioactive waste disposal The suitability of natural clays for radioactive waste disposal depends on a variety of factors, including the type of waste, the specific characteristics of the clay, and the geological environment. The key aspects that affect the performance of clays in waste disposal systems are geochemical interactions and radionuclide retention, mechanical and thermal stability, impact of groundwater and fluid flow, and long-term performance and aging. However, there are some challenges and limitations of natural clays. Natural clays exhibit significant variability in their composition, mineralogy, and behavior, which can affect their suitability for specific waste disposal applications. Variability in smectite content, for example, can impact swelling properties and ion-exchange capacity. While clays are generally stable, they can be susceptible to physical disruption from seismic activity or erosion over long periods.

the integrity of clay barriers must be carefully considered in areas with seismic risk or active hydrological conditions.

exposure to high temperatures, radiation, or extreme pH conditions could lead to the transformation of clay minerals, potentially reducing their ability to retain radionuclides or act as effective barriers. For instance, smectite can transform into less reactive minerals like illite or chlorite under certain conditions. Madhupur clay for the radioactive waste disposal in Bangladesh The long-term disposal of radioactive waste requires materials and rock formations that provide reliable containment over geological timescales.

among the key criteria are very low permeability, high sorption capacity for radionuclides, mechanical and chemical stability, and predictable behavior under coupled thermalhydraulic-mechanical-chemical conditions. Bangladesh lies in a tectonically active deltaic region dominated by alluvial sediments, deltaic clays, Pleistocene Madhupur Clay, coastal marine clay, tertiary mudstone/shale in Chittagong Hill Tracts, and clay-rich layers in Sylhet and Bogura basins. Madhupur Clay is widely studied and geographically extensive, making it the most viable natural clay candidate.

this type of clay is described as highly weathered, reddish-brown to brickred clayey deposit, often capping uplifted blocks or terraces above alluvial flood plains. Madhupur Clay is suitable for nearsurface LILW disposal but not for deep HLW repositories. For future HLW disposal, tertiary mudstones of the Chittagong Hill Tracts show potential and need systematic exploration. Coastal and marine clays have high water content, are compressible, and saline, which makes them unsuitable for deep disposal, and may be used for engineered barriers after purification/bentonite blending.

tertiary mudstone in hill tracts lithified and indurated claystone/mudstone, comparable to argillite Boom Clay in Belgium in terms of diagenesis, which requires systematic geotechnical, hydrogeological, and mineralogical evaluation. Conclusion: Natural clay formations provide some of the most reliable and scientifically proven geological media for radioactive waste disposal. Bangladesh’s geological setting includes significant clay deposits, notably Madhupur Clay and Tertiary mudstones, which hold potential for RW containment, particularly for near-surface LILW disposal. However, extensive geotechnical, hydrogeological, mineralogical, and structural characterization is required before selecting any site for longterm RW isolation. Building a national clay characterization program and establishing a deep geological research facility will be vital steps toward a sustainable RW management strategy.

there are some research gaps and challenges, such as geological and hydrogeological data gaps, geo-mechanical characterization, groundwater flow modeling and diffusion coefficients, fault and fracture mapping at disposal depths, etc.

in addition, there are some engineering and technological gaps, such as a lack of national bentonite characterization programs, the absence of underground research laboratories, and limited experience with large-scale engineered barrier systems.

there are also regulatory and institutional challenges, including the need for site-selection guidelines, establishing RW disposal safety case methodology and skilled manpower, and RandD infrastructure development. Under these circumstances, Bangladesh can adopt the multibarrier clay-based disposal concepts used in Europe, where indigenous clay can be blended with imported sodium bentonite to create engineered barriers. For all of this, Bangladesh needs to establish regional collaboration with the IAEA, European clay disposal programs like ANDRA, NAGRA, ONDRAF, and Asian countries building clay repositories

Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has entered its final phase but faces another delay, with fuel loading for Unit 1 postponed due to pending technical and regulatory clearances. Global sanctions, payment challenges, political disruptions, and transmission delays have slowed progress, despite strong oversight by the IAEA and extensive local workforce training.

once operational, Rooppur will supply 2,400 MW of noncarbon baseload power, marking Bangladesh’s entry into the nuclear era, though commercial operation is unlikely before 2026-27.Bangladesh’s long-awaited entry into the nuclear power era has encountered yet another setback. Fuel loading for the first 1,200 MW unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), the country’s largest and most technologically complex development project, will not take place on December 25 as previously scheduled, according to project authorities.

the delay underscores the intricate technical, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges facing the project as it nears its final stages.

officials say that a series of final technical and safety verification processes remains incomplete, preventing fuel loading at this time. While the milestone was expected to mark a decisive step toward power generation, authorities have refrained from announcing a revised timeline, stating that a new date will be formally declared once all regulatory requirements are satisfied.

although the postponement is disappointing, experts emphasize that delays at this stage are not unusual for nuclear projects, where safety, security, and international oversight take precedence over rigid timelines. With most construction work completed and commissioning activities well underway, Rooppur is now moving cautiously toward a milestone that will define Bangladesh’s energy future for decades. Bangladesh’s Largest Single Investment Project The RNPP is Bangladesh’s largest single investment project, with an estimated cost of USD 12.65 billion.

the majority of the financing has been provided through loans from the Russian Federation. Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is implementing the project on a turnkey basis, covering technology supply, construction, and human resource development.

the plant uses Generation III+ VVER1200 reactor technology, widely regarded as among the safest in the world. Construction began in 2017 at Rooppur in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district, following the signing of a comprehensive intergovernmental agreement with Russia. Due to earlier delays, the commissioning timeline was revised, setting 2026 for Unit 1 and 2027 for Unit 2.

impact of Global and Domestic Challenges The Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent Western sanctions on Russia significantly disrupted project implementation. Sanctions delayed the replacement of equipment and the delivery of components originally sourced from Europe, while also complicating financial transactions with Russian contractors.

although construction continued during the COVID-19 pandemic under special arrangements, delays occurred in building transmission infrastructure. While transmission lines connecting the first 1,200 MW unit to the national grid are now ready, completion of the full transmission system may extend until the end of next year. Sanctions also complicated loan servicing and payments to Russian companies. While due payments have been deposited in local banks, transferring funds abroad remains a challenge.

in addition, the student-led mass movement in August 2024, which ended the Awami League’s 16-year rule, disrupted construction activities and supply chains for several months, further contributing to delays. Revised Loan Terms and Oversight Changes In response to the accumulated delays, Russia extended the loan tenure by two years under a revised agreement. Observers note that during the previous government’s tenure, Rooppur was treated as a priority project under direct oversight of a high-level committee at the Prime Minister’s Office. Following the formation of the interim government, that level of institutional focus reportedly declined. Currently, the Finance Adviser also oversees the Ministry of Science and Technology and is actively working to expedite completion of the project despite multiple responsibilities. Meanwhile, a high-level mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited Rooppur earlier this year and gave a green signal for preparations to begin power generation. Readiness of Local Human Resources An official involved with the project since its inception, speaking on condition of anonymity, said nuclear power plants differ fundamentally from conventional fossil fuel-based facilities.

every stage, from construction to commissioning, requires clearance from national and international experts.

alongside construction, extensive human resource development has been undertaken.

according to the official, operational manpower is now fully prepared.

trained personnel have completed the required testing, certification, and formal handover processes as outlined by the construction team. Safety, Security, and Regulatory Compliance A nuclear scientist told Energy and Power that every aspect of nuclear power plant operation must comply with stringent national and international standards. Safety, security, and safeguards are the three guiding principles.

these include finalizing on-site and off-site emergency systems, radiation monitoring arrangements, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

all processes must be reported to the IAEA.

according to the scientist, the construction team hasalready handed over the plant to the commissioning team, composed primarily of locally trained professionals. Cooling tests and the hot run test, conducted using dummy fuel to simulate reactor behavior, have already been completed. Regulatory certification is now required before fuel loading can proceed.

official Confirmation and Expected Timeline Saikat Ahmed, Focal Point of the RNPP Construction Project and Senior Scientific Information Officer, confirmed that cooling and hot run tests have been completed. ‘Fuel loading for Unit 1 was scheduled for December 25,’ he said. ‘However, some final tests and verifications are still ongoing in compliance with regulatory requirements. Fuel loading will not take place on that date.

once a new timeline is finalized, it will be officially announced.’ Another source indicated that fuel loading may take place in January.

once completed, the commissioning team will formally hand over Unit 1 to the operational team, composed entirely of Bangladeshi personnel, under the supervision of Russian experts and national regulators. From Fuel Loading to Power Generation Following fuel loading, at least one month will be required before electricity generation begins. Power output will increase gradually – at 5%, 10%, and 20% capacity – before synchronizing with the national grid at around 30% load.

the entire process from fuel loading to initial grid connection may take up to three months, while full commercial operation could require an additional 9-10 months. Project Progress, Technology, and Grid Readiness Structural work for both units is nearly complete. Current efforts focus on system integration, equipment testing, and final safety verification in line with IAEA guidelines.

the VVER-1200 reactors feature multilayered safety systems, including a core catcher.

installation of major equipment-reactor pressure vessels, steam generators, turbines, and auxiliaries-has been completed. Most testing activities are now being carried out by Bangladeshi engineers under Russian supervision. Cost, Financing, and PPA Uncertainty While the total project cost remains USD 12.65 billion, the electricity generation cost is still uncertain, as no Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has yet been signed between Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited and BPDB. Professor Dr. Shafiqul Islam of the University of Dhaka estimates that generation costs could range from 7 to 9 US cents per unit, depending on operating load and delays. His updated study incorporating the four-year delay is currently under review. Human Resource Development and Skills Enhancement More than a hundred Bangladeshi specialists have already completed advanced training in Russia and domestically to operate the Rooppur NPP. Several hundred additional engineers and officials are undergoing phased advanced training.

a significant number of these trained professionals will assume responsibilities in reactor operation, safety management, and maintenance.

even before formal commissioning, most testing activities at Rooppur are being carried out by domestically trained personnel under the supervision of Russian contractor staff.

international Oversight and Safety Compliance Multiple missions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have already visited the project site and described the progress in safety compliance as satisfactory. Several additional international audits will be conducted before full commissioning in 2026. Since the decision to construct a nuclear power plant was taken, Bangladesh has worked at every stage with guidance, clearance, and oversight from the IAEA and relevant international experts.

under this supervision, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) was established and has been actively involved at every phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project.

a New Era in Bangladesh’s Energy Sector The RNPP, the largest technological milestone in Bangladesh’s power sector, is now nearing completion.

initiated in 2017, the project is rapidly becoming a reality and is set to usher in a new chapterin energy security, technological advancement, and economic growth.

the acquisition of advanced and complex nuclear technology represents a transformative leap for Bangladesh’s energy future, elevating the country’s global standing.

the RNPP has also driven significant infrastructure development in Pabna and surrounding areas, including roads, housing, education, and healthcare facilities, while creating hundreds of skilled and unskilled local jobs. Global Nuclear Power Outlook By the end of 2024, approximately 417 nuclear reactors were operational worldwide, with a combined capacity of 377 GW, generating 2,667 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. Currently, 70 nuclear reactors are under construction across 15 countries, with a planned capacity of 64.5 GW.

according to IAEA data, global nuclear capacity is projected to reach 992 GW by 2050. Meanwhile, 31 countries have committed to tripling nuclear power capacity by mid-century. GlobalData estimates current nuclear generation capacity at 395 GW, which could rise to 494 GW by 2035. SMR deployment is also gaining momentum globally, with several European and Asian countries already adopting the technology.

the IAEA estimates that 24% of new nuclear capacity could come from SMRs.

the United States has also begun work on micro modular reactors, reinforcing nuclear power’s future role in low-carbon development. Bangladesh’s Nuclear Future Once operational, RNPP will supply 2,400 MW of baseload, non-carbon electricity and is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 7 million tonnes.

over its 60-year lifespan, emissions reductions could reach 600 million tonnes. Bangladesh’s Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan targets 10,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2050.

experts believe the Rooppur site could accommodate two additional 1,200 MW units at a lower marginal cost. Conclusion The latest delay at Rooppur highlights the complexity of delivering a nuclear power project amid geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory rigor, and domestic political change. While missed deadlines have tested public patience, the cautious approach reflects the realities of nuclear safety and international compliance. With construction nearly complete, local expertise fully mobilized, and international oversight ongoing, Bangladesh stands closer than ever to entering the nuclear power era. Fuel loading, expected in early 2026, will mark a historic turning point. Yet full commercial operation of Unit 1 is unlikely before late 2026, with both units reaching full capacity by 2027. Rooppur is more than a power plant.

it is a technological leap, a strategic investment in energy security, and a long-term commitment to low-carbon development.

the final steps may be slow-but for nuclear power, precision matters more than speed.

The World Bank will invest in a huge 4GW, 5.12GWh solar-plusstorage complex in Malaysia, part of a pan-Southeast Asian power grid initiative.

the Southern Johor Renewable Energy Corridor (SJREC) will be a roughly 2 , 0 0 0 – s q u a r e kilometre area dedicated to solar PV and energy storage capacity. The US$6.0 billion project is backed by the World Bank’s private investment arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside the state investment firm of Johor, Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT), and Ditrolic Energy, a Malaysian integrated energy company. The project is part of a number of larger schemes, chiefly the ASEAN Power Grid Initiative, a plan to integrate power grids and energy supply across Southeast Asian nations.

in this vein, the SJREC will be part of the Johor- Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) ‘masterplan’, able to transmit clean energy to Singapore, which sits on Johor’s southern border.