RNPP’s 1st unit likely to save $1b annually
The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is likely to begin supplying 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis within the next eight to ten weeks, as final-stage testing of the facility is now underway.
Once the remaining tests are completed successfully, electricity will be supplied to the grid in phases. Commercial generation from the 1,200MW first unit is expected to begin early next year.
The start of commercial operation is expected to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Energy experts estimate that the first unit could save around Tk 10 billion a month in fuel import costs, or up to $1 billion a year. The savings could rise further once both units of the plant are operating at full capacity.
The project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) will operate the plant, while Russia’s Atomstroyexport is responsible for its construction.
NPCBL Managing Director Zahedul Hasan told The New Nation that the estimated annual savings of around $1 billion would depend largely on which types of fuel the nuclear-generated electricity replaces.
“Such estimates are based on comparisons with electricity generated from oil, gas, LNG and coal.
However, actual generation costs vary from one plant to another, so it is difficult to give a specific figure,” he said.
He said grid synchronisation work is expected to begin within the next six to eight weeks. The initial supply to the national grid will depend on the reliability and coordination of the wider power system.
“Whether electricity can be supplied continuously from one unit will depend on the reliability and coordination of the overall grid. After synchronisation, electricity will be supplied gradually according to the plant’s capacity,” Hasan said.
He also stressed that safety would remain the main priority throughout the commissioning process. Around 2,300 tests have already been completed, while several others are still pending.
“Electricity will be supplied to the grid only after all tests are successfully completed. Mentioning a specific date could create unnecessary pressure on experts. If any test encounters a problem, it may need to be repeated, causing delays. If everything is completed successfully, grid supply could begin within eight to ten weeks. There will be no compromise on safety,” he said.
Nuclear expert Professor Dr Md Shafiqul Islam said nuclear power could provide a steady source of baseload electricity while reducing Bangladesh’s dependence on imported oil, gas and coal.
He said continuous electricity supply from both Rooppur units, with a combined capacity of 2,400MW, could also reduce the country’s exposure to fluctuations in international fuel prices, transportation costs and supply disruptions.
“If Rooppur’s 2,400 megawatts can be supplied continuously to the national grid, the risks associated with international fossil-fuel prices, transportation costs and import dependence will decline significantly. Pressure on the US dollar needed for fuel imports will also decrease,” he said.
Officials said commissioning work on the Baghabari 230kV, Bogura 400kV and Gopalganj 400kV transmission infrastructure is nearly complete. However, further preparations in the national grid and transmission system are still required to ensure that both Rooppur units can eventually supply electricity at full capacity.
