Bangladesh achieves milestone with first Russian uranium shipment for nuclear power plant

Bangladesh has received the first Russian shipment of uranium fuel for its first nuclear power plant, making it the 33rd country in the world to produce nuclear energy.

The project is a result of a collaboration between Bangladesh and the Russian state-owned atomic company, Rosatom. Under this partnership, Bangladesh embarked on the journey to construct its first two nuclear power plants, with the first one currently in progress. Remarkably, a substantial 90% of the $12.65 billion project financing is provided by Russia, repayable over 28 years with an initial 10-year grace period. This demonstrates the strength of the bilateral relations between the two nations.

During a video conference between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin, referred to by the Russian Embassy in Bangladesh as a "nuclear fuel delivery ceremony," Prime Minister Hasina expressed immense pride and joy for her country. This momentous event signifies Bangladesh's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and striving for a more sustainable energy future.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) played a crucial role in overseeing the project's implementation, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. This collaborative effort between Bangladesh and Russia, backed by IAEA's supervision, demonstrates a responsible approach to nuclear power development.

IAEA head Rafael Grossi also extended his congratulations, highlighting Bangladesh as a success story among newcomer countries venturing into nuclear power. With guidance from the IAEA, Bangladesh has made commendable progress in establishing a robust nuclear energy program.

Located approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is a key infrastructure project that holds immense promise for the nation's energy needs. The plant's first unit, boasting a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts, was originally scheduled to commence operations in July of the coming year.

The construction and design of these nuclear power plants are overseen by Rosatom's engineering division. It's noteworthy that the Rooppur plant has a projected lifespan of 60 years, with the possibility of extending its operations by an additional 20 years. This underscores the long-term vision of Bangladesh in harnessing nuclear energy as a reliable and sustainable power source.