The highest safety measures must be maintained at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

After much anticipation, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is now on the verge of commencing production.

This historic electricity generated from the first unit is scheduled to be connected to the national grid by August next. However, the concerns on ‘spent fuel’ management, potential weaknesses in safety measures, and the capability of the workforce to operate the plant effectively also demand urgent attention.

According to the initial understanding, the waste (spent fuel) from the power plant is supposed to be sent back to Russia.

Even though the project nears the stage of electricity generation, no final and binding agreement regarding the return of the waste has been concluded between Russia and Bangladesh.

According to media reports, there is no infrastructure or system for the permanent storage of such hazardous waste in a densely populated country like Bangladesh.

It is being stated that nuclear safety is not merely a matter of technology; it also involves competence, integrity, and accountability. History has witnessed events like Chernobyl and Fukushima.

These experiences serve as a reminder that, often, human error, poor oversight, or flawed decision-making-rather than just technical faults-can become the root causes of major catastrophes.

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. If a major accident occur here, its impact cannot be confined merely to the immediate vicinity; agriculture, river systems, public health, the economy, and even future generations could all bear the brunt of the consequences.

The public lacks adequate information regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant concerning critical aspects such as emergency evacuation capabilities, medical preparedness, radiation monitoring, and disaster response drills.

It is to be noted that the nuclear project has been built on the banks of the Padma River in Ishwardi Upazila, Pabna at a cost of approximately $12.65 billion. Once both units are fully operational, the plant will generate a total of 2,400 megawatts of electricity, which is expected to meet a significant portion of the country’s power demand.

Experts in the field also believe that once commissioned, the RNPP will play a pivotal role in alleviating the country’s electricity deficit and ensuring long-term energy security. Simultaneously, it will usher in a new era for Bangladesh in terms of technological capability and the utilization of nuclear energy. However, they called for taking extra protective measures to avoid any untoward disaster.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security as demand for electricity continues to rise. We hope the project will surely strengthen Bangladesh’s energy, security, financial stability, and national resilience.