Bangladesh has officially entered the nuclear era with the commencement of fuel loading at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), underpinned by a sophisticated, multi-layered security and safety framework.
Md Zahedul Hassan, managing director of the plant, has assured that the facility features several independent safety tiers, designed so that if one system fails, others immediately assume control.
Automated and autonomous safety
According to Hassan, the plant’s security is designed to function even in extreme circumstances. “The reactor can remain safe for a long time without electricity or human intervention,” he stated.
This confidence is based on the VVER-1200 reactor, a Generation 3+ technology developed by Russia’s Rosatom.
The system operates under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “Defence in Depth” principle. More than 700 automatic interlocks provide constant surveillance of the reactor; any detected abnormality triggers an automatic response to either stabilise or shut down the unit.
Protection against cyber and natural threats
The RNPP design integrates critical lessons from the Fukushima Daiichi accident to prevent the release of radioactivity. Security features include double containment, a core catcher, and hydrogen recombiners to mitigate the risk of explosions.
Beyond internal failures, the plant is engineered to withstand external pressures, including high-magnitude earthquakes, cyclones, and floods. Notably, Hassan emphasised that robust measures have been implemented to ensure protection against cyber or digital attacks.
Structural and Operational Security The physical security of the site began with its foundation. To address the soft soil on the banks of the Padma River, engineers created a “semi-rock” base using high-pressure cement injections.
Operationally, the plant’s effectiveness as a “base load” provider depends on the stability of the national power grid, as maintaining a constant frequency is essential.
While over 1,000 personnel have undergone training – primarily in Russia – and some have obtained system-operating licences, Hassan noted that achieving full self-reliance and proficiency will take an additional three to five years.
Long-term material oversight
The security of the nuclear fuel cycle is managed through a bilateral agreement with Russia, which includes the supply of nuclear fuel and the eventual return of spent fuel for reprocessing after it has been stored safely on-site.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, work has progressed through international coordination. Hassan stressed that security is an evolving commitment rather than a one-time achievement.
It will involve continuous international evaluations, regulatory oversight, and regular training throughout the entire lifecycle of the power plant.
