Rooppur Nuclear Plant Progress

Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, is under construction on the banks of the Padma River. The two Russian-designed reactors, supplied by Rosatom, are expected to generate up to 15% of the country's electricity when fully completed in 2028. The project, costing $12.65 billion, has faced delays and cost overruns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Iran conflict, pushing the first reactor's operational date to early 2027. The Bangladesh — Bangladeshi taka's depreciation has increased local-currency costs by nearly 25%. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inherited the project, which aligns with his government's economic revival efforts. Bangladesh is also exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) with suppliers like Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc and Chinese manufacturers. The project is seen as a model for other developing nations seeking energy security and decarbonization.