“Bangladesh will be turned into a smart country in future, and the nuclear power plant is another step towards building that Smart Bangladesh”
– Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh has witnessed a watershed moment with the inauguration of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP). The first ever Nuclear Power Plant of the country today received the nuclear fuel to produce electricity at a function at its site as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually joined it.
With a considerable impact on the nation’s energy sector and socioeconomic landscape, the RNPP has become a symbol of national development and energy security. Earlier, on September 28th, 2023, a special aeroplane from Russia delivered Bangladesh its first shipment of uranium.
Bangladesh on becoming the 33rd nuclear power-using country
The RNPP is Bangladesh’s largest project, representing a major step towards becoming the 33rd country in the globe and third in South Asia to use nuclear power, with construction costs totalling USD 13.5 billion.
The transfer of nuclear fuel at RNPP was a landmark event for today, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Vladimir Putin participating virtually. Other notable attendees included Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Alexei Likhachev, Director General of ROSATOM, Russian Federation, and Yeafesh Osman, Minister of Science and Technology for Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned today that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is an additional step in creating a smart Bangladesh, reiterating her commitment to transforming the nation into a “Smart Bangladesh.”
“Bangladesh will be turned into a smart country in future, and the nuclear power plant is another step towards building that Smart Bangladesh. We’ve signed an agreement with the Russian Federation for the management of spent fuel. The Russian Federation will take this spent fuel back to their country,” she said.
“We will use nuclear power to protect peace,” added the Bangladesh Prime Minister, expressing her firm commitment to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide and to the implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The certificate of fuel delivery was presented to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganobhaban, on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. ROSATOM Director General Alexy Likhachev presented the fuel assembly model to Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman during a ceremony at the RNPP site in Ishwardi, Pabna.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the new milestone of the construction of the RNPP. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Putin declared, ” Our friendship is built on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual acceptance.”
He further highlighted the strong bond of friendship between Russia and Bangladesh, noting that Bangladesh has long been a known friend of Russia.
The Initiation and progress over time
The development of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) commenced decades ago, signalling a turning point in Bangladesh’s pursuit of energy security and sustainable development. A loan agreement signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Russia led to the official start of construction on October 2, 2013. Since then, RNPP has consistently evolved, overcoming obstacles such as international sanctions and stringent safety regulations.
Remarkably, Russia is providing a credit facility for 80% of this expenditure. ROSATOM is constructing a 2,400-megawatt power plant under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Commission. Its first unit of 1,200MW capacity is set to be operational in 2024, while the other unit in 2026.
Economic impact of the RNPP
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) will have a significant effect on Bangladesh’s economy. Economically, it is anticipated to be a game-changer, considerably contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation. It is estimated that the operation of RNPP will contribute approximately 2% to Bangladesh’s GDP. In addition, it will considerably reduce the cost of power generation, providing the nation with a dependable and cost-effective source of electricity.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has the potential to not only meet Bangladesh’s energy requirements but also spur economic growth in various sectors, particularly in the northern region of the country.
The power facility will contribute to:
Continuous electricity supply: An intermittent and inadequate supply of electricity has been one of the most pressing problems in northern Bangladesh. This scenario will be revolutionised by RNPP’s dependable and substantial power supply. According to Dr. Shawkat Akbar, the Project Director of RNPP, experimental power generation from the first unit is anticipated to begin in December 2024, with full-scale power generation commencing in early 2026. This means that the people of northern Bangladesh can anticipate a reliable and continuous supply of electricity, which will not only better their daily lives but also increase industrial productivity.
“Bangladesh’s power sector is one of the fastest growing in the South Asian region. For example, generation capacity has almost tripled in the last 10-12 years. And this trend is expected to continue”, said Anton Khlopkov, Director of the Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS) and Member of the Advisory Board under the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
Boosting industry and technology: Northern economies would benefit greatly from reliable access to power. The uninterrupted power supply will benefit factories, manufacturing facilities, and technology-based businesses, resulting in increased production, technological advancement, and economic growth. Moreover, according to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear power is not only a source of electricity but also a catalyst for the growth of technology and expertise in the country. The technical knowledge and skills developed during RNPP’s construction and operation will contribute to the development of the technology sector in Bangladesh.
Employment opportunities: The construction and operation of RNPP have generated a significant number of regional employment opportunities. Approximately 30,000 people, including 7,000 professionals, are working on the initiative, according to sources. The local economy and livelihoods have benefited from these employment opportunities and hold a greater share of contributing in further employment opportunities.
“First of all, it is a high-tech project. Therefore, this project will train specialists for Bangladesh for decades” – Anton Khlopkov stated.
As the plant becomes completely operational, more jobs will be created both directly within the plant and indirectly in support industries and services, thereby enhancing the economic growth of the region.
Environmental impact
RNPP is consistent with Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability from an environmental standpoint. As a nuclear power plant, it will generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial instrument for attaining the nation’s carbon reduction goals. RNPP will play a pivotal role in reducing Bangladesh’s reliance on fossil fuels, which are a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change, by generating 2,400 MW of electricity daily at full capacity.
Consequently, RNPP is an essential step towards a clearer, greener, and more sustainable energy future for Bangladesh, with far-reaching implications for the environment and global efforts to combat climate change.
