Bangladesh and Russia are poised on the brink of a collaboration to establish of an additional nuclear power facility at Rooppur. This transformative dialogue was held in a pivotal meeting between Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and representatives from the Russian Federation State Atomic Energy Corporation, ROSATOM, on April 2, 2024.
As ROSATOM disclosed, the construction project of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is hurtling towards a momentous milestone: the imminent physical start-up of Unit 1, slated to occur by year’s end. However, the horizon extends beyond mere commencement, with discussions swirling around new ventures. Bangladesh has articulated a fervent desire to expand its nuclear capabilities by erecting two more power units at the Rooppur NPP site. Additionally, the prospect of constructing a versatile high-powered research reactor in Bangladesh is also in discussion.
Proposal for Additional Nuclear Units Unveiled
The Director General of ROSATOM underscored a pivotal directive: with the completion of the initial two units, the groundwork for constructing new Unit-3 and Unit-4 should commence expeditiously. The proposal is to embed these additional nuclear power units within the ambit of the Rooppur nuclear power project.
Following the meeting, M Nazrul Islam, the Prime Minister’s speechwriter, relayed a moment of significance to reporters. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged ROSATOM to contemplate the prospect of erecting a second nuclear power plant in Rooppur. This plea was voiced during a meeting with ROSATOM’s Director General, Alexey Likhachev, at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
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Amidst the deliberations, the Prime Minister conveyed the necessity of initiating a comprehensive technical survey at the nascent stage of establishing two new units. She emphasized that expanding existing nuclear power projects not only makes sound financial sense but also aligns with international standards of technical and nuclear safety.
Further affirming her commitment to prudent nuclear management, the Prime Minister directed the expeditious completion of all formalities concerning the return of Spent Nuclear Fuel from the first and second units of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to Russia. In response, the Director General of ROSATOM extended assurances on behalf of the Russian government, vowing to facilitate the prompt return of the Spent Nuclear Fuel to the Russian Federation. He pledged to navigate all requisite formalities with diligence, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives.
The imminent launch of Unit 1 is on the brink of being initiated soon, poised to unfold before the year draws to a close. Alexey Likhachev, in a ROSATOM release, affirmed the impending realization of this critical juncture, heralding it as a monumental stride forward in the Rooppur NPP construction project. Moreover, discussions have been ignited regarding new ventures, with Bangladesh expressing fervent interest in the construction of two additional power units at the Rooppur NPP site.
Bangladesh and Russia Forge Energy Security with Generation 3+ Reactors
As the curtains rise on this momentous chapter, Dhaka and Moscow stand poised at the precipice of unprecedented collaboration, navigating the intricate nexus of nuclear energy with foresight and determination. With the physical inauguration of Unit 1 on the horizon and discussions brimming with potential, the Rooppur NPP project emerges as a beacon of progress and innovation, poised to reshape the energy landscape and propel Bangladesh into a new era of sustainable development.
Alexey Likhachev also visited the Rooppur NPP construction site Green City residential area on Monday. Earlier, on March 11, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would build a second nuclear power plant in Pabna’s Rooppur after the completion of the country’s first nuclear power plant there.
The Rooppur nuclear power project at Ishwardi Upazilla is being implemented with technical and financial cooperation from Russia. The project will host two power units, each of 1,200MW capacity. Generation 3+ VVER-1200 reactors are being installed in the power units. The general designer and contractor of the Rooppur NPP is the engineering division of ROSATOM.
Prime Minister Hasina thanked Russia for helping Bangladesh in energy security, especially the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant. She said that it was the dream of Bangabandhu to set up a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, and it is being implemented. She recalled the assistance of Russia during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 and subsequent help in rebuilding the war-ravaged country. The Prime Minister also conveyed her greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his reelection.
NPP Nearing Completion: 85% Work Done, Electricity to National Grid by 2025
The ROSATOM DG apprised the Prime Minister of the progress in building the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. He said the RNPP will go into production by 2025 and start to supplement electricity supply to the national grid. He also said that 85 percent work of the RNPP has been completed. Alexey Likhachev apprised the Prime Minister about the advancement of the RNPP and said by 2025, the RNPP will come into production and will be able to supplement electricity to the national grid. He also said that 85 percent work of the RNPP has been completed.
Earlier in March, Rosatom also offered the establishment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), heralding a new era in the nation’s energy landscape. These compact yet powerful reactors, boasting a maximum capacity of 300 MW, have captured global attention for their efficient construction processes, promising a revolution in nuclear energy deployment.
On March 2, 2024, in a meeting, Alexei Likhachev personally presented this proposal to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. An official press release from Rosatom’s public relations department in Bangladesh emphasized the shared commitment to collaboration and mutual advancement in nuclear energy development, setting the stage for a climactic moment in the annals of bilateral relations.
Likhachev’s address highlighted the imminent commissioning of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) this year. As the conversation unfolded, visions of expansion emerged, with talks swirling around additional units at the RNPP site and the possibility of erecting a high-capacity research reactor. These reactors, poised at the intersection of science and progress, hold the key to unlocking a trove of advancements in various fields. The Director General’s visit encompassed meticulous inspections and extensive consultations, a testament to the meticulous planning underlying Bangladesh’s nuclear energy journey.
