Bangladesh is preparing to launch its inaugural nuclear power plant in the coming months as the nation deals with a severe energy shortfall, triggered by geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood recently announced that the Rooppur plant’s first reactor will begin receiving fuel on 7 April, with plans to connect to the national grid at 30 percent capacity by June.
Technical hurdles, immediate relief
While the initial operation starts this summer, experts familiar with the project suggest it may take approximately 12 months for the plant to reach its full output, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This project, which utilises two 1.2-gigawatt VVER reactors provided by Russia’s Rosatom Corp, has faced significant setbacks.
Technical difficulties in integrating atomic energy into the existing grid, along with delayed supplies from Russia, postponed the original launch date, which was initially set for early last year under the previous administration.
Mahmood noted that even operating at partial capacity will provide necessary relief to the struggling power sector. To manage immediate deficits, the government is also increasing spot LNG purchases to create a three-month reserve, aiming to acquire 11 cargoes.
Despite securing some shipments at competitive rates, the high cost of energy imports continues to strain the country’s weakened currency and limited foreign exchange reserves.
Regional instability, strategic outlook
The urgency for nuclear power follows a spike in liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a subsequent attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility.
With gas accounting for roughly half of Bangladesh’s power generation, these disruptions have left the country highly vulnerable to shortages during the peak summer months.
This move toward nuclear energy comes as the new government – which took office last month following the first elections held since the 2024 youth-led uprising – seeks to stabilise the economy.
Earlier this month, the country formalised a new cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support its nuclear ambitions.
In the longer term, the country remains committed to an energy transition blueprint aimed at reducing import dependence by 2050.
According to a report by the CPD Power and Energy Study, this plan involves a drastic reduction in the use of coal, gas, and oil, while significantly expanding solar and wind power installations.
