Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Begins Fuel Loading
“Bangladesh is set to become the world’s 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear energy,” said a representative from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has officially started fuel loading at its Unit-1, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy journey.
The Rooppur project represents Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure initiative and is expected to enhance energy security for millions. With a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts, the plant consists of two units, each capable of producing 1,200 megawatts. By August, around 300 megawatts of electricity is expected to be supplied to the national grid on a trial basis.
This development comes at a time when Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio has hovered near 7%, one of the lowest in Asia. The government’s efforts to raise revenue through a targeted inheritance or net-wealth levy could potentially add $1.5-1.7 billion annually. However, as one analyst noted, “The political case however is another matter. Inheritance tax is unpopular almost everywhere it exists.”
The Rooppur plant aims to meet about 10-12 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity demand once fully operational. Full-scale commercial generation may take up to ten months after trial generation begins.
As Bangladesh continues its path toward becoming an energy-secure nation, officials have indicated that they are weighing various fiscal policies to support this growth. The International Monetary Fund projects that by 2026, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP will surpass that of India, highlighting the country’s economic potential.
This transition into nuclear energy marks not just a technological advancement but also reflects broader aspirations for economic stability and growth within Bangladesh.
