What was a dream over six decades ago is now turning into a reality.
the process started with the loading of fuel in unit 1 of the 2400 MW Roopur Nuclear Power Plant from April 28, a gigantic step to take energy-starved Bangladesh to the world’s elite nuclear power nations. There are now 33 countries which produce nuclear power through 400 reactors accounting for nearly 11% of the global electricity. Bangladesh joins the exclusive club as the 34th nation in the world and the third in South Asia after India and Pakistan. In inaugurating the fuel loading Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam hailed it as a ‘landmark achievement’ and a ‘glorious chapter’ in Bangladesh’s history, heralding the country’s entry into the nuclear era. He rightly emphasized that safety is the ‘?rst priority’ and that all fuel loading activities are being carried out strictly according to international standards. He told the event that after the completion of fuel loading and technical processes, the ?rst unit (1,200 MW) is expected to start commercial generation of 300 MW by late July or early August 2026. He mentioned that the plant will go into full-scale production in stages, aiming for full-capacity operation by the end of 2026 or early 2027. He highlighted that the project represents a major step in building technological capacity, ensuring energy security, and promoting industrialization in Bangladesh.
the minister’s comments are especially welcome.
the BNP government, now into its third month, has not dumped RNPP just because it was started by Sheikh Hasina’s government which had been overthrown by a student-led mass movement two years ago.
it seems the new government is willing to accept the positives of the past government despite political bitterness. RNPP, located in Ishwardi of Pabna along the Padma River, would not have been possible without support from Russia. Divided in two equal units It has a capacity of producing 2,400 megawatts of electricity making up 10 percent of the country’s installed capacity.
it has the sophisticated Reactor Model Generation III+VVER-1200, Fuel type – Uranium enriched to 5%, Fuel supplier TVL (Russia) with operator Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
the Main contractor JSC Atomstroyexport is also from Russia. With a life span of 60 years the cost of the construction has now escalated to USD13b, a lion share of it loaned by Russia. Russia’s state-run TVL Fuel Company, which is providing the fuel, has agreed to take back the spent fuel in addressing a major safety and environmental concern.
the fuel loading may take about 45 days and the reactor core would be warmed up within three months by withdrawing neutron absorbers, according to project of?cials.
electricity will be generated on a trial basis and fed into the national grid within three months. ‘If the commissioning progresses smoothly, we expect to add a minimum of 300 megawatts by July or early August to the national grid. Production will then increase gradually by 10 to 15 percent, reaching the ceiling of 1,200 mw by late 2026 or early 2027,’ Md Anwar Hossain, secretary at the science and technology ministry, was quoted as saying by the Daily Star newspaper.
there is a caveat though. Will the reciprocal trade deal Bangladesh’s interim Yunus government signed with the US just three days before the February 12 national polls stand in the way of RNPP and deprive the people of Bangladesh of enjoying its full bene?ts. The much-maligned agreement has compromised Bangladesh’s trading sovereignty and there is fear that Washington may use it in preventing import of nuclear fuel from Russia because of sanctions imposed on it following the Ukraine war.
the operation of the nuclear plant may be in jeopardy if the agreement prevents the import of uranium or fuel rods from Russia. RNPP is the largest of the country’s mega projects. Some have called it a potential ‘white elephant.’ It has been built despite the criticisms and concerns regarding high ?nancial costs and debt and safety risks. Yet, supporters see RNPP as a cheap and safe source of energy and a way out to cut dependence on import of more expensive fossil fuel.