Bangladesh is poised to activate its first nuclear power plant later this year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to address chronic electricity shortages. The Rooppur nuclear power plant, a $13 billion project initiated over a decade ago, is designed to provide around 2.4 gigawatts of power through two reactors. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to supply more than 10 percent of the electricity demand for Bangladesh’s population of approximately 170 million.
Located on the banks of the Padma River, about 150 kilometers west of Dhaka, the plant has transformed the nearby village of Rooppur from a quiet rural community into a bustling site housing thousands of Russian workers involved in construction and installation. The project, developed in collaboration with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, has brought an enclave of Russian culture to the area, including shops and restaurants catering to Russian tastes alongside local businesses.
Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of the state-owned Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh, announced that the first reactor is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026, with the second expected to be operational within the following year. Bangladesh’s energy sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, supplemented by coal, oil, and renewable sources. The new nuclear facility is seen as a strategic step toward diversifying the country’s energy mix and enhancing energy security amid a global fuel crisis exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East.
Safety assurances have been emphasized by plant officials, who point to the stringent measures incorporated into the design, drawing on lessons from past nuclear incidents worldwide. Despite these reassurances, some local residents express unease about living near the plant. Md Yunus Ali, an 80-year-old resident living about a 15-minute walk from the site, recalled recent tests that caused loud noises, which disturbed local children and heightened safety concerns. Ali acknowledged his own lack of fear but voiced worries for his descendants’ well-being.
The development has also stimulated the local economy, with new employment opportunities and businesses emerging to support the influx of workers. Md Emon Khan, a young local entrepreneur, shifted from garment work in Dhaka to vending produce to the workforce at Rooppur, noting a cultural exchange as he learned some Russian to communicate with residents.
The project has encountered several setbacks over the years, including pandemic-related disruptions and complications arising from international sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which affected equipment deliveries and financial transactions.
For many Bangladeshis, the hope surrounding the plant centers on its potential to provide a more stable and reliable power supply. Farmer Belly Begum, who struggles with frequent power outages that hinder irrigation, expressed optimism that the plant’s operation will soon alleviate such challenges and benefit the wider community.
As Bangladesh prepares for the looming activation of the Rooppur nuclear power plant, the balance between embracing new energy capabilities and addressing local anxieties remains a focal point in public discourse.