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Fundamentals of Rooppur NPP
Mohammad Shawkat Akbar
Recognizing the global energy imbalance and the forecasts in the near to the long term
energy demand, the nuclear power has been considered as one of the future sources of
energy in the densely populated energy-starving nations. For example, countries are
interested in introducing or expanding nuclear energy programs to achieve their
national energy needs for different reasons such as lack of available indigenous energy
resources (South Korea), desire to reduce over dependence on imported liquid fuels
(India), increase diversity of energy resources (China, Vietnam, India, Turkey, USA),
national policy for strategic reserve of the valuable indigenous energy resources and/or
export of electricity (United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation, French, Jordan, South
Africa and most of the developed nations). Under the changed circumstances in the
national and international dimensions on energy perspective, the production of
electricity at a reasonable cost, without environmental damage and in a secured
manner, is one of the challenging undertakings of Bangladesh.
The unsatisfied demand for electricity is a crucial bottleneck to the overall development
of Bangladesh. The country needs to produce a huge amount of good quality electricity
to improve living standards of nearly a billion of the citizen also to promote every aspect
of the nation development. The rising expectation of introducing nuclear power is also a
reality to Bangladesh in solving dire energy shortages and meeting the future increased
demand of electricity.
Due to limited indigenous energy resources, Bangladesh began its preparations for
nuclear power in the early 1960s. The Rooppur NPP project site was selected in 1963.
Then several feasibility reports were prepared decisions were also taken to build the
NPP. Soon after independence of Bangladesh in 1971, initiatives were taken by the
Father of the Nation. Feasibility studies were conducted in 1977-78 and again 1987-88
by foreign specialized organizations, which confirmed and reconfirmed the technical,
economic and financial viability of the project. The first National Energy Policy, 1996 of
Bangladesh also identified nuclear power as an option for power generation and
recommended for implementation of the Rooppur NPP project. At the end of 1990s,
pre-project activities were also initiated. Bangladesh Nuclear Power Action Plan was
approved in 2000.
In the past several steps for building "Rooppur NPP" have been taken. Feasibility reports
were prepared and negotiations were carried out with several reactor suppliers without
ever signing a contract for implementation of the project; Bangladesh failed join to the
nuclear club. However, financing were identified as one of the main obstacles for
realization of Rooppur NPP, there were also other important issues those required
special attention.
It has been understood from international experiences that here are three broad areas
which need to be addressed to improve the prospects for introduction of a NPP. The first,
and probably the most important area is strong and continuous government
commitment to NPP for electricity production and adoption and implementation of
nuclear power at the highest internationally recognized standards of safety. The second
area is the selection of appropriate NPP technology and a reliable vendor. The third area
is the financing for the project. To date, most nuclear power reactor programs have
been to some extent developmental in nature and all have been government backed at
least to some degree. Although nuclear power plants share many of the attributes of
other major projects, it has characteristics which have made it a greater challenge for
the investment and lending community. Principal among these are the high capital

costs, technical and schedule uncertainty and the potentially long period before a return
on investment can be secured. These characteristics, coupled with the need for
investors to take into account many non-financial aspects such as, nuclear
infrastructure, public acceptance of NPP and the licensing requirements.
The present Government of Bangladesh has been pursuing a "Vision 2021" for Digital
Bangladesh to transform the country into a knowledge based middle-income country
by 2021. The government has clear commitment to achieve Universal Electrification
by 2021. Bangladesh reviewed the energy situation of the country at early 2009 and
formulated the National Development Policy Document The Perspective Plan of
Bangladesh: 2010 2021" which has set up a target of 20,000 MW electricity generation
by 2021 to achieve the objectives of the "Vision 2021". Based on the outcomes of the
past studies conducted on Rooppur NPP project (1974-75, 1977-78, 1987-88 and
1999-2001), Bangladesh has decided to establish nuclear power plant based on the
policy through the strategy for peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy. The national
development policy documents namely, the Perspective Plan of Bangladesh: 2010
2021 and the Power System Master Plan, 2010 (PSMP, 2010) reinvigorated the country's
efforts in building the "Rooppur NPP" project. The said Perspective Plan of the country
and the updated Power System Master Plan, 2010 included diversified energy options
and projected an addition of 2000 MW(e) Nuclear Capacity from the Rooppur NPP site
by 2021 and total nuclear capacity about 4000 MW(e) by 2030. Now, Bangladesh has a
clear understanding on the requirements for implementation of nuclear power project in
a safe, secured and cost effective manner and the country had taken firm steps for
materializing the "Rooppur NPP" project.
Selection of a NPP technology and an experienced vendor is another important issue for
newcomers to NPP in building their first NPP. The NPP technology must be appropriate
for the national electric grid system and compatible with electricity demand. A proven
NPP technology with advanced nuclear safety features for assurance radiological and
nuclear safety in any situation and presently is operating or constructing in different
geological and climatic conditions could be suitable for Bangladesh. In addition, like
other newcomers, Bangladesh required to a NPP vendor that can provide an Integrated
Solution for Implementation of NPP Program.
Based on the past experiences gained from the activities on the Rooppur NPP project
and lessons learnt from the international experiences on implementation of the first NPP
by other nations, especially developing country, Bangladesh has recognized the form of
cooperation of vendor country in the development of infrastructure and construction of
"Rooppur NPP" and decided to build the first NPP of the country under a bilateral
cooperation agreement. Emphasis given in selecting the vendor not purely on a
traditional commercial basis (bidding approach) but a high level state decision on
implementation of "Rooppur NPP" in a safe, secured and cost-effective manner. An
intergovernmental cooperation agreement with government of the Russian Federation
for construction of "Rooppur NPP" consisting of two VVER-type reactor power units
which includes design, construction, installation, start up and commissioning and
warranty operation of the plant, field supervision of the execution of activities, fuel
supply during the entire operational period of the power units, take-back of spent fuel to
the Federation, training of personnel for operation and maintenance of the plant,
management of radioactive waste and decommissioning of the plant and other services
signed. There are two distinct aspects, namely (1) technological aspects and (2) vendor
aspects for selection of the VVER technology.
The capacity/size of nuclear power plant plays a key role in determining the investment
cost. The PSMP, 2010 recommended for building two nuclear reactor units with each of
about 1000 MW(e) capacity (2x1000 MW(e)) by the year 2020. The VVER-1000 type
nuclear reactor is suitable for national electric grid system and electricity demand. The

VVER is a proven technology with a long international experience. More than 40 (forty)
years, these types of NPPs are successfully operating in the Russian Federation and also
in Croatia, Ukraine, Armenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Germany. The VVER with advanced
safety features is presently operating in Finland, China, India and Iran along with the
Russian Federation and several reactors are also under construction in India, China and
Turkey. The VVER that has an evolutionary development (called the Generation III and
3+) of the proven VVER-1000 with longer operational life and greater efficiency is
suitable to build in regions with different geological and climatic conditions in a cost
effective manner. The Vietnam, Jordan, Turkey, Belarus, Nigeria, Morocco have decided
for introduction of such VVER technology as their first NPPs. It is understood that the
VVER-1000 type NPP has advanced safety systems that allow reducing the exposure
doses of personnel and minimizing the release of radioactive substances into the
environment under design basis accidents and beyond design-basis accidents. It has full
emergency systems that include an emergency core cooling system, emergency backup
diesel power supply, advanced refueling machine, and advanced computerized reactor
control systems, backup feed-water supply. The main nuclear safety features are as
follows: (1) Core catcher it catches the molten core in case of any severe core melt
accidents; (2) Multi barrier safety systems along with a massive steel shell and doublewall containment structure that can prevent escape of radioactivity/radioactive
substances into the public domain/environment under any unusual situation; (3) Digital
instrumentation and automated remote control instruments along with advanced main
control room and a standby control room; (4) Passive safety features - these help in
removal of residual heat and pressure under severe accidents and (5) hydrogen
protection system.
The Russian Federation is offering an integrated solution for the implementation of
nuclear power program. They are: (1) Take-back of Spent Fuel: Managing the high level
radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel would be very difficult for a new comer country
like Bangladesh and it also raises the suspicion of nuclear proliferation. Russian
Federation is agrees to take back the spent fuel that will produced from "Rooppur NPP".
(2) Long-term Supply of Nuclear Fuel: Russia has a huge reserve of Uranium. Presently,
a significant portion of the uranium demand in the world is supplied by Russian
Federation. It is self-reliant on uranium mining, milling and uranium enrichment and fuel
fabrication. Russian Federation guarantees to supply fresh fuel for entire life-cycle of
Rooppur NPP". (3) Knowledge, Skills and Human Resources: The Russian Federation has
necessary infrastructure for human resource development for its clients. It provides
comprehensive access of "Rooppur NPP" personnel to its advanced experience and
facilities for personnel training and education. (4) Creation and development of
regulatory basis: The Russian Federation helps in developing nuclear regulatory
infrastructure for meeting all international and national nuclear regulatory obligations
on introduction of NPP. Bangladesh has a made bilateral arrangement with Russian
Federation on nuclear safety regulation.
Over the years, it has been realized that the financing of a new NPP is the most
challenging issue. Bangladesh could not build the "Rooppur NPP" due to lack of funding
and financing. This issue has been taken with special care. From international
experiences, it has been realized that Financing Models of NPP can be classified in 5
major categories:(1) Traditional Sovereign Business Model, (2) Public Corporate model,
(3) Corporate Business Model, (4) Pure Economic Business Model and (5) Innovative
Business Model. Among five financing models, the traditional Sovereign model is a
widely used financing model for NPPs new builds and most of the developing country
has adopted this financing scheme (In Figure, the NPPs shown by blue colored are built
based on this approach). In this approach, the state/government directly invests for the
project alone or along with other investor and the state bears the responsibility of the

risks. This financing model is less compatible with the free market structure. India,
China, Russian Federation and France are building their NPP usually based on the
Traditional Sovereign Business Model Financing Model.
The Traditional Sovereign Business Model assumed an appropriate one for "Rooppur
NPP" build. The Russian Federation has granted the state export credit for the
construction of NPP under soft conditions.
Moreover, the role of early commercial decision to proceed for building nuclear power
plant is one of the most important practical steps for realization of the project. A
significant amount of investment is required for making an early commercial decision
which also a challenge for a new comers. This decision is closely linked with licensing
process which varies widely among jurisdictions. In market-driven systems, site
confirmation and selection of technology are key commercial decisions that form the
basis for entering the licensing process. Bangladesh has taken early commercial
decision to proceed for building Rooppur NPP. A two-stage construction and scheduling
method for "Rooppur NPP" has been adopted to build Rooppur NPP build under a
turnkey type approach through an intergovernmental agreement. The Russian
Federation has granted state export credit for the First Stage of Rooppur NPP
construction and also committed for providing financing for the Main (Second Stage)
construction. The government has taken steps for implementation of the project under
its annual development program and solved the issue of funding required the project
through adopting a Traditional Sovereign Business Model for NPP construction.
The studies/surveys required site characterization, environment impact assessment and
feasibility evaluation of Rooppur NPP and necessary physical works and services till First
Concrete Pouring of "Rooppur NPP" under the Preparatory Stage of construction (First
Stage of Rooppur NPP construction) are performing by the JSC Atomstroyexport, an
experienced NPP design institute and NPP project management company of the Russian
Federation. These studies are carried out for preparation of the required documentation
packages to the extent containing all requirements of legislative acts and regulations
with regard to safety assurance according to the techno-normative requirements of
vendor country, the IAEA guidelines and Bangladesh domestic regulations for confirming
plant site for NPP construction and obtaining Site License for Rooppur NPP.
Some concerns have been raised due to lack of available information about the location
relating to proximity to geological fault, lack of water availability for reduced water flow
in the Padma River in the lean season, exorbitant costs of feasibility etc. However, there
are no such indication and genuine concern. A leading nuclear power developing
country and the pioneer supplier of NPP technology, the Russia Federation is providing
Bangladesh with all required technical, technological and financial support during preconstruction, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the plant.
For starting main stage of construction, a Construction License for Rooppur NPP
construction will be required and Bangladesh is preparing necessary technical
documentation packages including PSAR, PSA, QA Programs and construction
management program etc. essential for Construction License for Rooppur NPP
construction. Recognizing the necessity of creating conditions to facilitate the
development of construction infrastructure Bangladesh has adopted a step by step
approach for preparatory stage of construction of Rooppur NPP. This includes the
development of design and working documentation of the first priority construction and
erection works and also performance of the first priority construction and erection works
through four stages: design and working documentations, pioneer base construction,
1st stage erection and construction base works and preparation for reactor unit
construction till to the first concrete pouring.

Bangladesh is establishing project management and construction management

approach through active cooperation of the IAEA and the vendor country, the Russian
Federation for construction of the country's first NPP, the "Rooppur NPP" based on the
existing levels of technical expertise and technological means available in the areas of
project management, construction, engineering, installation of NPP and also realizing
the short time frame planned to bring the plant on-line by 2021.
Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission