Central Idea

Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its energy journey with the arrival of the first uranium delivery for its Russia-backed nuclear power plant.
This $12.65-billion project aims to strengthen the nation’s energy grid, plagued by chronic blackouts.
Moscow is funding 90% of the project’s cost through a loan, a testament to the close relationship between Russia and Bangladesh.

Rooppur Nuclear Plant

Construction of the Rooppur nuclear plant in Rooppur village, west of Dhaka, began in 2017.
It consists of twin 1,200-megawatt units, with the first unit set to begin operations in the coming year, and both expected to be fully operational by 2025.
It will become Bangladesh’s largest power station in terms of generating capacity once fully operational.

Loan Repayment Challenges: US sanctions on Russian entities, including state nuclear agency Rosatom, had previously delayed construction due to Bangladesh’s inability to make loan repayments in US currency.
Chinese Yuan Payment: In April, Bangladesh agreed to make payments exceeding $300 million in Chinese Yuan to bypass the sanctions, although these payments are yet to be made.

Overcoming Energy Challenges: Bangladesh faces severe energy shortages, with daily power blackouts lasting up to 13 hours, affecting the lives of millions.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Reliance: The country aims to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels by embracing nuclear energy and other cleaner sources.
Climate Change Mitigation: Bangladesh presents its nuclear energy ambitions as part of its strategy to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030.

Safety and Waste Disposal: There remain concerns about the safety risks and disposal of nuclear waste associated with nuclear energy projects.
Time-Consuming Construction: Nuclear plants take many years to build, compared to more swiftly deployable renewable energy sources.
Energy Mix: The nation’s energy journey is a complex blend of diplomacy, economics, and environmental considerations, aimed at securing a sustainable energy future.