Nuclear Energy for Smart Bangladesh

As the world intends to head to a better tomorrow, carbon emissions are considered a significant threat for the upcoming days with the possibilities of climate change, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and threatening global food security.

During the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), more than 20 countries called for nuclear energy capacity to triple in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A declaration endorsed by nations including the United States, Ghana, Japan, and several European countries said nuclear energy plays a “key role” in reaching the goal of carbon neutrality.

Many people get frightened when they hear about nuclear power plants, as they associate them with nuclear bombs and recall incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima. However, in reality, the two are quite different. Both rely on fission reactions, but in a nuclear power plant, a controlled chain reaction takes place to generate electricity. On the other hand, nuclear bombs involve an uncontrolled chain reaction that aims to cause destruction.

In 2015, Bangladesh signed an agreement with Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, for the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant. The purpose of this agreement is to utilise nuclear energy for the peaceful generation of electricity. Additionally, the agreement aims to create skilled manpower to ensure the safe operation of the plant. Besides, the overall security and maintenance of the project are under the supervision of the IAEA, which works on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agency inspected the nuclear power plant in Bangladesh and made various recommendations to the concerned authorities. These include developing national policies and strategies through IAEA safeguards, developing basic policies and legal frameworks for the protection of workers, the general public, and the environment, and building an adequate workforce of qualified and trained personnel. That is, not limited to construction only; from maintenance, training, and waste disposal to safety and overall care, the organisations associated with this mega project have worked on.

"Why does Bangladesh need a nuclear power plant for electricity generation when some developed countries are willing to close their existing nuclear power plants?" This question may arise. After the tsunami, Japan had a valid reason to shut down its nuclear power plants. However, they discovered they couldn't do so. It turned out that nuclear energy is the only solution to creating a reliable, affordable and low-carbon energy mix for a country’s development. Instead, they focused on making their NPPs safer for the nation.

If you are suffering from a headache, taking medicine is the solution, not cutting off your head. For power generation in Bangladesh, the most advanced VVER-1200, the most technologically advanced and safe Russian Generation III+ reactors, are being installed. These reactors come with the latest and most advanced safety systems. For example, core catchers have been installed at RNPP to ensure the safety of people and the environment. These are devices provided to catch the molten core material in case of a nuclear meltdown and prevent it from escaping the containment building. Therefore, there is no need for people to worry about the project. Given that Bangladesh is a densely populated country, the government opted for this advanced technology to diversify power generation.

The Rooppur nuclear power plant is expected to have a lifespan of 60 years, which can potentially be extended to 80 years. This is significantly longer than the average lifespan of oil, coal, or gas-fired thermal power plants, which is around 20–30 years. In Bangladesh, there is a shortage of gas, which is required to run other power plants. As a result, the government has to import LNG, furnace oil, and diesel to meet the increased demand. Additionally, there have been instances where power plants had to be shut down due to a shortage of coal. Furthermore, the prices of oil and gas are increasing globally.

According to statistics, prices for uranium are much less volatile compared to prices for gas. In addition, the share of nuclear fuel in the cost of electricity is the smallest: 10% vs. 60% in gas-fired TPPs. This prevents the volatility shocks that we have observed in the hydrocarbon fuel markets in recent years. In addition, reactor fuel assembly is a complex, high-tech product with high added value, so prices for nuclear fuel are even less subject to market fluctuations. Therefore, nuclear power plants can be a viable solution to address these challenges.

Although the construction cost of a nuclear power plant is relatively high, it is considered to be cost-effective for power generation in the long run. The Rooppur nuclear power plant is expected to play a significant role in meeting the goal of reducing carbon emissions while also lowering power generation costs. Nuclear energy is being considered as a sustainable development option due to its potential to help reduce global carbon emissions, which are mainly caused by the energy sector.

The dream project is making progress towards its desired goal. It represents a significant milestone in the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources and meet the growing demand for electricity. The project is aimed at enhancing Bangladesh's energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and addressing the challenges of power shortages. RNPP introduces nuclear energy as a new and reliable source, contributing to a more diversified energy mix. It aims to add a substantial amount of electricity to the national grid, helping to meet the increasing demand for power in the country. This is crucial for supporting economic growth, industrial development, and improving the quality of life for the population. It can help mitigate the environmental impact of energy production and contribute to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future. It is also expected to contribute to the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The construction and operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant involve collaboration with international partners, including Russia. This collaboration facilitates the transfer of technology and expertise, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in the field of nuclear energy. Although many projects in Bangladesh have a reputation for cost overruns, this eco-friendly power plant is setting a unique example by keeping the main project's cost stable. The unit cost of nuclear energy is relatively cheap and stable over the long term, unlike coal, gas, or oil-based sources. The Rooppur power plant will be a great relief from these unstable prices. There is no alternative to nuclear energy for stable, affordable and low-carbon electricity.

According to the World Nuclear Association, there are about 440 nuclear power plants spread across 30 countries worldwide. These plants generate approximately 10% of the total electricity produced globally. Additionally, there are 61 nuclear power plants under construction in 14 different countries.

With the Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh has entered the prestigious elite club of the World Nuclear Club, which will be a source of green energy for the country in the upcoming days and thus contribute to building a smart Bangladesh in the future, following the development goals of the government.