What must change before Rooppur nuclear plant goes live
Nuclear power carries both immense promise and immense peril. With the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) expected to begin operation early next year, Bangladesh stands on the threshold of becoming a nuclear energy-producing nation. If successfully implemented, this project will not only expand the country's clean electricity supply and support its climate goals but also strengthen long-term energy security, sustainability and international credibility.
Yet, nuclear power can bring severe risks if not managed properly. An accident could have far-reaching consequences beyond national borders, eroding public trust and damaging international confidence. To avoid this peril, Bangladesh must uphold certain non-negotiable obligations: an unwavering commitment to safety, institutional independence, professional competence, transparency, a strong safety culture and long-term planning. Without these, the risks could outweigh the benefits.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. To ensure Rooppur becomes a success story rather than a cautionary tale, reforms across government, regulatory, operational and policy levels are essential, not optional. These steps are critical to maintaining the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) safety standards.
In this regard, the IAEA has recently conducted a Pre-Operational Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) mission involving 14 international experts. The mission provided important recommendations to be addressed before the plant begins operation, including enhancing fire safety systems for effective prevention and response; strengthening leadership and operational standards; and improving equipment preservation during commissioning to safeguard systems and components. The mission also identified good practices of global significance, such as the Rooppur Training Centre's use of a state-of-the-art simulator for training in refuelling machine operations.
The Pre-OSART mission focuses solely on operational safety. It is neither a nuclear governance review, nor a regulatory inspection, nor a design review, nor a substitute for a comprehensive assessment of the plant's overall safety status. Before Unit-1 begins operation, the following issues must be addressed properly to ensure robust nuclear safety and to uphold both national and international confidence in Bangladesh's nuclear journey.
Strengthening governance and independence
Good governance is the cornerstone of nuclear safety. At present, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), the Nuclear Power Company of Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL) and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) all operate under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). This structure undermines regulatory independence, a principle emphasised by the IAEA. To align with global best practices as well as the IAEA's recommendations, BAERA must operate independently, reporting to the prime minister, the president or a separate ministry. The chair of BAERA should have a proven track record in nuclear expertise.
Additionally, the National Technical Committee should be strengthened with high-level experts from engineering, public health, law enforcement and emergency management, and must meet regularly to monitor project progress and timelines, identify causes for delays, and mitigate risks through prudent and prompt decisions.
BAERA must evolve into a truly credible regulator. That requires establishing a strong management system, cultivating a culture of safety and training staff according to IAEA standards. Most of the regulations necessary for the operation of Rooppur are yet to be developed, which includes regulations covering every stage of the nuclear lifecycle, from construction to decommissioning. Enforcement of these regulations must also be ensured.
Equally important, BAERA should open official channels of communication with relevant nuclear safety and security stakeholders and with the public. Nuclear safety and security are not only technical matters but also depend on transparency, sharing best practices, collaboration and trust among stakeholders.
As the operator of Rooppur, NPCBL holds the primary responsibility for daily safety. This calls for leaders chosen on merit, not patronage, and for a workplace culture guided by technical competence and accountability. When management issues arise, root-cause analysis—not ad hoc dismissals—should be the norm.
Transparent communication, especially with residents near Rooppur, is essential to ensure they receive accurate information about safety measures and emergency preparedness. At the same time, both on-site and off-site safety systems must be in place for normal operations and potential emergencies.
BAEC, as the parent and facilitating organisation, must be strengthened with competent manpower and expertise. It should expand its capacity in nuclear safety analysis, security and safeguards, radiation protection, waste management, instrumentation and control, and nuclear economics. Building domestic expertise will reduce overdependence on foreign partners and enhance the long-term sustainability of the country's nuclear power programme.
Bangladesh must take a long view of nuclear fuel and waste. Relying solely on one country for lifelong fuel supply is risky. A long-term nuclear fuel cycle policy should ensure a secure supply for at least 80 years by diversifying sources through competitive markets.
At the same time, a radioactive waste management company should be established to handle operational wastes safely and to develop long-term storage and disposal facilities. Identifying a permanent site for intermediate-level waste disposal should be treated as a strategic priority, not a distant concern.
Preparing for emergencies and technical support
Even the safest Generation III+ VVER-1200 nuclear plant must prepare for robust emergencies. Before Rooppur becomes operational, Bangladesh must establish a fully functional Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Centre. This centre should be equipped with trained staff and modern equipment and vehicles to coordinate rapid responses in a crisis.
After Rooppur's commissioning, Bangladesh should also establish a Technical Support Organisation (TSO) capable of providing timely expertise in troubleshooting, system upgrades and specialised safety analysis. The TSO may be structured as a public entity, a private organisation or a public-private partnership, but it must have the necessary expertise and sufficient capacity in nuclear technology. Otherwise, the country will have to depend on Russian or Indian assistance, which is often costlier and more time-consuming.
Rooppur is not just another mega-project. It represents a commitment to fostering a culture of safety, security, transparency and long-term responsibility in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The reforms outlined above are the minimum requirements to ensure its safe, secure and sustainable operation. Therefore, there is no need to rush bringing the reactor online until the recommended issues are properly addressed.
Dr Md Shafiqul Islam is professor at the Department of Nuclear Engineering at University of Dhaka, and former visiting professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He can be reached at [email protected].
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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