Oct 5, 2023
| Ali Asif Shawon from Rooppur | The Dhaka Tribune
The momentous occasion took place at a formal "Graduation Ceremony" at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) ground in Ishwardi, when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin participated virtually, connecting from Ganabhaban and the Kremlin respectively.
Alexey Likhachev, director general of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), formally handed over the radioactive fuel to Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman, who chaired the program. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also participated in the event via video conference. In addition to the fuel, representatives from Rosatom presented Sheikh Hasina with both a certificate and a model of nuclear fuel. This significant event was witnessed by both leaders virtually. In their speeches, the two leaders emphasized the strategic importance of this development for Bangladesh. The RNPP project aims to establish a 2,400MW nuclear power plant with two 1,200MW capacity units. The first unit's reactor was loaded in October 2021, while the second unit's reactor was installed in October 2022.
Upon loading the nuclear fuel into the reactors, power can be generated for one year before reloading is necessary. The RNPP project was conceived in 2009, and an agreement with Russia on the "Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy" was signed on May 13, 2009. Subsequent agreements and contracts have led to its realization, with the first unit projected to become operational in July 2024 and the second in July 2025. The development places Bangladesh in the esteemed company of 32 other nations around the world that utilize nuclear energy for various purposes. As of May 2023, there were 436 nuclear reactors in operation in 32 countries around the world. The United States had the largest number of nuclear power reactors in operation at the time, at 93 units.
Second shipment arrives
The first uranium consignment arrived in Bangladesh on September 28 and was transported securely to the plant site after its arrival in Dhaka from Russia. Produced at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (NCCP) in Russia, a subsidiary of Rosatom's fuel manufacturing company Tevel, the fuel was flown to Dhaka via a special plane.
The second consignment arrived on Thursday on a special plane at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. It will be taken to Rooppur by road through foolproof security, like the first batch, according to officials. Five more shipments will arrive in the country in phases. Each shipment will contain 12 bundles. Nuclear fuel will come in phases after the arrival of the seven shipments.
‘Another step towards Smart Bangladesh’
Emphasizing her vision of a "Smart Bangladesh," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated that the project represents a significant stride towards this goal. "Bangladesh is poised to evolve into a smart nation, and the nuclear power plant is a pivotal milestone in that journey," she affirmed in her speech. She also underscored the meticulous planning and construction of the plant to ensure its resilience in the face of any potential disasters.
In this context, she highlighted the commitment of the Russian Federation to safely manage the spent fuel of the RNPP by repatriating it to its country. "We've formalized an agreement with the Russian Federation to properly handle spent fuel. The Russian Federation will be responsible for transporting this spent fuel back to their homeland," the premier added. Furthermore, she asserted that Bangladesh will harness nuclear power to safeguard global peace, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide and the effective implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
‘A symbol of strong bilateral ties’
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the power plant is a symbol of the robust bilateral relations between Dhaka and Moscow. "The flagship project serves the interests of both nations and fosters further enhancement of mutually advantageous collaboration," he stated while speaking from Russia.
Extending his congratulations to Bangladesh on its entry into the realm of nuclear power, Putin remarked: "Both nations have a stake in this venture, and it will make a substantial contribution to Bangladesh's energy and economic security." Characterizing Bangladesh as a steadfast friend and development partner, the Russian president underlined the point that relations between the two nations are founded on mutual equity and respect for principles. Putin recalled that Russia and Bangladesh forged their cooperative ties over five decades ago. "In the early 1970s, the Soviet Union provided support to East Bengal during its struggle for independence and in the reconstruction of the newly liberated nation," he recounted.
He also noted that Russia was among the first nations to recognize Bangladesh's independence. Since then, Russia has extended cooperation in the construction of major industries and power plants, which continue to be integral to Bangladesh's economy. Reflecting on the golden jubilee celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries last year and Bangabandhu's historic visit to Moscow in March 1972, President Putin noted, "Bangabandhu's visit to Moscow was a pivotal moment in fortifying ties between our nations." He praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for honourably carrying on her father's legacy. Terming Bangladesh a trusted friend of Russia, Putin said: “The first unit of the nuclear power plant in Bangladesh will be commissioned in 2024 and the second unit in 2026. Russia will stand by the Sheikh Hasina-led government on Bangladesh's nuclear journey.”
‘RNPP will be economical’
Minister Yeafesh Osman highlighted how the power plant's establishment has propelled Bangladesh into the ranks of nuclear-powered nations, underscoring its potential to bolster industrialization in the underdeveloped northern region. He stressed that the levelized cost of nuclear electricity would be more economical than that of conventional fossil fuel-based electricity.
IAEA Director General Rafael Marino Grossi commended Bangladesh for adhering to IAEA guidelines, ensuring safety and security in line with international standards. Alexey Likhachev announced that at least 20,000 Bangladeshi nationals would find job opportunities at the RNPP. The ceremony included presentations, with an audio-video documentary on the fuel's manufacturing and delivery. Dr Md Shawkat Akbar, RNPP project director and managing director of NPCBL, introduced the project details to the audience. Science and Technology Secretary Md Ali Hossain extended a warm welcome.