Bangladesh is making a historic leap into nuclear energy with the construction of its first nuclear power plant — the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on the banks of the Padma River. Once fully operational in 2028, the facility — being built by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom — will house two reactors capable of supplying up to 15% of the country’s electricity. It represents one of the largest energy investments ever undertaken in South Asia, with an estimated total cost of $13 billion. The project aims to diversify Bangladesh’s energy mix, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and strengthen national energy security.
Delays and Rising Costs
Construction began over a decade ago, but the project has faced significant setbacks — including the global pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and broader geopolitical tensions. The first unit, originally scheduled to begin operations in 2023, is now expected to enter full commercial service in early 2027; the second unit is slated to follow a year later.
Meanwhile, the financial burden has grown. Although the original contract with Rosatom remains valued at approximately $12.65 billion, depreciation of the Bangladeshi taka against the U.S. dollar has substantially increased the local-currency cost of the project. Experts estimate that delays have had a major economic impact: Bangladesh continued spending heavily on fuel imports — expenditures that could have been curbed had the plant come online earlier.
Next Steps: Small Modular Reactors
According to Bloomberg, Bangladesh’s government is already looking ahead — exploring the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), each generating between 300 and 400 megawatts. SMRs are seen as faster to build and less capital-intensive than conventional large-scale reactors. Early-stage discussions are underway with international vendors, including the UK’s Rolls-Royce and several Chinese firms. Officials believe smaller units could be more easily sited along the country’s rivers, lowering both logistical complexity and investment risk.
Critical Prerequisites
Yet experts cited by Bloomberg caution that safe, sustainable nuclear power requires robust foundations. Key prerequisites include: a well-trained and technically proficient workforce; independent, credible regulatory oversight; secure long-term management of nuclear waste; and broad public acceptance. Analysts stress that while nuclear energy is gaining renewed interest globally — especially among developing economies — it demands careful, long-term planning. These are not short-term fixes, but multi-decade commitments requiring rigorous technical, institutional, and social preparation.