Bangladesh prepares to launch first nuclear power plant

Bangladesh is preparing to commission its first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, to address chronic electricity shortages. The $13 billion project, developed in collaboration with the Russian state corporation Rosatom, features two reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to supply more than 10 percent of the country's current electricity demand.

The first reactor is scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year, with the second expected to become operational within the following year. This transition to nuclear energy aims to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which currently account for 95 percent of its oil and gas needs.

The construction has significantly impacted the local economy and culture near the Padma River. A large presence of Russian technicians and engineers has established a unique enclave in the region, influencing local commerce and social dynamics. While the project promises energy security, some local residents have expressed concerns regarding safety protocols.