Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant – Bangladesh, Diligent IAS 07/08/2019 – Posted in: Daily News – Tags: ,

ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

 

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission signed a deal with Russian Nuclear Fuel Supply Company (TVEL) for the supply of uranium for its under-construction 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).

  • Work on the two units of the plants, each producing 1200 MW of electricity is scheduled to be completed in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
  • Russia will supply the nuclear fuel needed for the plant during its entire life cycle.
  • The two countries have also signed ‘spent fuel sent back’ agreement in 2017 for the management of the nuclear waste of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).

 

Significance

This will contribute to the strengthening of friendly bilateral relations and the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Russia in the field of nuclear energy.

 

Project timeline

  • The proposal was made in 1961.
  • In 1963 the plant was approved.
  • The discussion starts in 1964 with Canada, Sweden and Norway – no agreement was reached.
  • In 1974 discussions begin with the Soviet Union – No agreement was reached.
  • During 2001 the government adopted a national Nuclear Power Action Plan.
  • In 2009 the Bangladesh government again started a discussion with the Russian government.
  • On 13 February 2009, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding.
  • In 2013 a group of Bangladeshi scientists and the global diaspora voiced profound concern over the safety and economic viability of the plant.
  • Again in 2015 the proposal was delayed by a year.
  • In 2016 ground preparation work commenced.
  • On 4 November 2017, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission received, from Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the design and construction license.
  • On 30 November 2017, the first concrete was poured for the nuclear island basement of Unit 1.

Important info

  • The NPP is being constructed on the bank of the river Padma.
  • It will be the country’s first nuclear power plant.
  • The first of two units are expected to go into operation in 2023.
  • It is being built by the Russian Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.

 

Source: News on Air

 

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