Russia Supplies Fuel for Bangladesh’s Inaugural Nuclear Power Plant

The initial shipment of uranium destined for Bangladesh’s largest and sole nuclear power plant project arrived in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on Thursday, according to an official closely associated with the endeavor who preferred to remain anonymous.

A specialized air cargo aircraft from Russia transported the nuclear fuel, touching down at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport, the official disclosed.

The scheduled handover of the fuel to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project authority is set to take place on October 5, with an anticipated virtual handover ceremony anticipated to be attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In July, Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, assured Prime Minister Hasina that despite numerous challenges faced by the project, Bangladesh would receive the fuel in September.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), a $12.65 billion undertaking, is being constructed with substantial financial backing from Russia, covering 90% of the project’s costs. Bangladesh will assume responsibility for repaying the loan over a 28-year period, which includes a 10-year grace period.

Rosatom is offering technical support for the project’s implementation, with the objective of addressing Bangladesh’s increasing electricity demands and fostering socio-economic advancement.

Situated in the western district of Pabna, the plant comprises two units, each boasting a capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Bangladesh is on track to inaugurate the first unit in September next year.

Global Nuclear Power Plant Landscape:

In the latest available data for the year 2022, there are 32 countries around the world that host nuclear power plants. Among these nations, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Belgium stand out as the ones relying predominantly on nuclear energy to meet the majority of their electricity demands. Other countries also possess substantial nuclear power generation capacity. Notably, the United States leads the way as the largest producer of nuclear electricity, generating an impressive 771.54 TWh in 2022. Following closely behind is China, which produced 417.63 TWh of nuclear electricity in the same year. As of 2022, there were 401 operational reactors with a combined net capacity of 361,144 MWe, and an additional 57 reactors with a net capacity of 59,091 MWe were in various stages of construction. Among these construction projects, 21 reactors with a total capacity of 21,608 MWe were located in China, while India had 8 reactors under construction, boasting a combined capacity of 6,028 MWe.

The production capacity is denoted in Tera-watt-hours (TWh), Gigawatt-hours (GWh), or Megawatt-hours (MWh), depending on the preferred unit of measurement.

Terawatt-hour (TWh), Gigawatt-hour (GWh), and Megawatt-hour (MWh) are units of electrical energy, where 1 TWh equals \(10^{12}\) watt-hours, 1 GWh equals \(10^9\) watt-hours, and 1 MWh equals \(10^6\) watt-hours, respectively.

Rooppur Nuclear Power Project: A Historical Overview:

The inception of a nuclear power plant in what was then East Pakistan dates back to 1961. In 1963, the decision was made to establish the plant in the Rooppur village of the Pabna district, and approximately 254 acres (103 ha) of land were acquired for the project. The original plan aimed at creating a 200MW nuclear power plant on this designated site. From 1964 to 1966, discussions were held with the Government of Canada, and parallel talks were underway with the governments of Sweden and Norway during those years. However, little tangible progress was achieved, and in 1970, the project was abandoned.

Following the independence of Bangladesh, discussions with the Soviet Union began in 1974, but no agreement was reached. In 1976–77, a French company called Sofratom conducted a feasibility study, concluding that the Rooppur project was viable. In 1980, approval was granted for a 125 MW nuclear power plant project. Unfortunately, this initiative did not come to fruition either. In the 1987-88 period, another feasibility study was conducted, leading to the decision to construct a nuclear power plant with a capacity ranging from 300 to 500 MW. In 1998, steps were taken to advance a 600 MW power plant project, and the nuclear action plan received approval in 2000.

In 2005, Bangladesh entered into a nuclear cooperation agreement with China. In 2007, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) proposed the installation of two 500 MW nuclear reactors at Rooppur, slated for completion by 2015. By 2008, China had offered financial support for the endeavor. However, the Bangladesh government initiated discussions with the Russian government in 2008, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 13 February. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, pledged to commence construction by 2013.

In 2011, the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted an IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission in Bangladesh. Subsequently, IAEA approved a technical assistance project for the Rooppur nuclear power plant. In 2013, a group of Bangladeshi scientists and the global diaspora voiced significant concerns regarding the safety and economic viability of the project. Various issues were raised, encompassing the suitability of the site, the obsolescence of the proposed VVER-1000 model, financing arrangements under scrutiny, and a lack of consensus with Russia on nuclear waste disposal.

The proposal experienced a one-year delay in 2015. Rosatom presented a plan for a two-reactor VVER-1200 power plant, effectively doubling the output to 2.4 GWe. On December 25, 2015, representatives from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Russia’s Rosatom signed a contract for the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant, with a total estimated cost equivalent to US$12.65 billion. However, just days later, The Daily Star highlighted concerns voiced by Germany-based Transparency International regarding escalating costs, contradicting earlier statements of approximately US$4 billion made earlier that year. Transparency International also expressed apprehension regarding the safety of the proposed plant.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant:

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, known as রূপপুর পারমাণবিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্র in Bengali, is a significant energy project in Bangladesh. With a planned capacity of 2.4 GWe (2400 MW), this nuclear power plant is taking shape in Rooppur, located within the Ishwardi upazila of Pabna District. Positioned along the banks of the Padma River, approximately 87 miles (140 km) to the west of Dhaka, it marks Bangladesh’s inaugural foray into nuclear energy generation. Anticipated to commence operations in 2024, the plant’s construction, including the VVER-1200/523 Nuclear reactor and essential infrastructure, is under the capable hands of the Russian Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. Throughout the primary construction phase, this ambitious endeavor will employ a workforce of 12,500 individuals, including 2,500 specialists from Russia. Once completed, it is expected to contribute around 15% of the nation’s total electricity supply.

Comprehensive Cost Analysis of a Nuclear Power Reactor Project:

Calculating the cost per kWh involves a detailed financial model that considers these factors and estimates costs over the lifetime of the reactor. It’s essential to conduct a thorough feasibility study and financial analysis to determine the actual cost per kWh for a specific nuclear power project in Bangladesh.

Calculating the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of a new investment in a nuclear power reactor in Bangladesh is a complex process that involves various factors. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

Initial Capital Costs: This includes the construction and equipment costs of the nuclear power reactor, as well as the associated infrastructure such as cooling systems, security measures, and waste disposal facilities.

Financing Costs: The cost of financing the project, including interest on loans and other financial charges.

Operating and Maintenance Costs: The ongoing costs of running the reactor, including labor, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.

Fuel Costs: The cost of nuclear fuel, such as enriched uranium, which is used to generate electricity in the reactor.

Regulatory Compliance Costs: Costs associated with meeting regulatory requirements, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

Decommissioning Costs: The expenses related to decommissioning the reactor at the end of its operational life and managing nuclear waste.

Construction Timeframe: The duration of the construction phase can impact costs, as longer construction times may lead to increased financing and labor costs.

Capacity Factor: The reactor’s capacity factor, which measures the actual electricity output compared to its maximum potential, affects the cost per kWh. Higher capacity factors lead to lower costs per kWh.

Economic and Political Stability: Economic and political stability in Bangladesh can impact financing costs and the overall feasibility of the project.

Inflation: Inflation rates can affect the cost of construction materials, labor, and other project expenses.

Technology and Design: The choice of reactor technology and design can influence both initial capital costs and long-term operating costs.

Electricity Generation: The amount of electricity generated by the reactor over its operational life affects the cost per kWh. More electricity generation can spread costs over a larger output.

Government Subsidies and Incentives: Government incentives or subsidies for nuclear power projects can reduce costs.

Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, if the project involves imports or foreign financing, can impact costs.

Risk Factors: Consideration of various risks, including safety, security, and unforeseen events, should be factored into cost calculations.

Lifespan of the Reactor: The expected operational lifespan of the reactor affects the amortization of initial costs over time.

Electricity Market Conditions: Market conditions and electricity prices in Bangladesh can impact the economic viability of the nuclear power project.

Social and Environmental Costs: Ethical and environmental considerations may involve additional costs related to safety, health, and environmental protection.

…to be continued…