Bangladesh Begins First Nuclear Power Plant

Bangladesh is constructing its first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur facility, expected to supply up to 15% of the country’s electricity starting in 2027. The 2.4 gigawatt project, designed by Russia’s Rosatom, aims to reduce Bangladesh’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and protect it from geopolitical shocks that have recently disrupted energy supplies.

The project has faced delays due to events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, increasing the overall cost by nearly 25% due to currency devaluation. Despite rising costs, officials maintain the plant will be competitive due to long-term energy security and stable generation costs.

Bangladesh is also exploring small modular reactors to further diversify its energy sources. The success of Rooppur could influence other developing nations considering nuclear power, though experts caution that sustainable operation requires a skilled workforce, strong regulation, and a plan for managing nuclear waste.