Bangladesh has initiated the process of loading nuclear fuel into its first atomic power station, a milestone for the country's energy infrastructure. The project, located in Rooppur approximately 160 kilometers from the capital Dhaka, is entering its final operational stages. The next phase involves gradually beginning commercial electricity generation on a trial basis.
The facility is described as the most expensive infrastructure project in Bangladesh's history, with an estimated total cost of up to $12.8 billion. Russian state financing provides the bulk of the project's funding, with loans amounting to $11.9 billion. The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom is a central partner, providing equipment, nuclear fuel, and engineering assistance. Rosatom's CEO stated the project marks Bangladesh's entry into the group of nations using peaceful nuclear energy for sustainable development and strengthens friendly relations with foreign partners.
The plant involves the construction of two units, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Once fully operational, it is projected to meet up to 12% of Bangladesh's electricity demand. This development comes against a backdrop of energy strain in the country. One report notes that the national power grid is stretched annually during summer months due to high demand from air conditioning use. Another source, linked within the same report, references a separate and worsening fuel shortage in the country, highlighting broader energy challenges.
The framing of the project's significance varies between sources. One emphasizes the technical milestone of fuel loading and the project's scale. Another source places greater emphasis on the geopolitical and financial partnership with Russia, detailing the extent of Russian backing and quoting Rosatom leadership on the project's role in international relations and global nuclear power development.