While initially intended as a short-term solution to power shortages, quick rental power plants (QRPPs) in Bangladesh have cast a long shadow of negative consequences. Despite our initial deployment in 2010, many QRPPs still operate, raising concerns about our economic and environmental impact. The primary issues stem from their exorbitant costs, as QRPPs produce electricity at significantly higher prices compared to alternatives like coal, burdening the government with an estimated additional annual cost of 2,726 crore taka (approximately 317 million USD). This financial strain diverts resources from vital sectors such as education and healthcare. Moreover, QRPPs contribute substantially to air pollution by using furnace oil, releasing harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, exacerbating existing air quality challenges in Bangladesh. The environmental and economic consequences impede the progress of long-term sustainable energy development, fostering a dependence on costly and polluting sources that jeopardise the nation’s energy security and environmental objectives.
Besides, the Russia-Ukraine war has further complicated Bangladesh’s already precarious energy situation, intensifying the challenges posed by QRPPs. Despite limited direct involvement, the war’s impact on rising energy prices and potential supply chain disruptions has emphasized the necessity of diversifying energy sources. In response, the Bangladeshi government is accelerating its pursuit of a multi-source energy policy. Immediate concerns include elevated global oil & gas prices affecting the country’s power generation costs and the potential risk of supply disruptions. Policy responses involve an increased focus on renewable energy development, intensified exploration of domestic natural gas reserves, regional energy cooperation, and pragmatic use of coal while emphasizing safer and cleaner technologies. Moreover, nuclear energy stands out as another dependable and environmentally sustainable option for Bangladesh, given the presence of its own uranium reserves within the country’s territory. Nuclear power plant fuel distinguishes itself from fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal due to its composition primarily of uranium-235, a metallic substance formed into small pellets. The energy yield from nuclear fuel significantly exceeds that of traditional fuels. To illustrate, a mere four-and-a-half-gram uranium pellet can generate equivalent electricity to 400 kilograms of coal or 360 cubic meters of gas.
The initiative to establish a nuclear power plant in East Pakistan was formulated in 1961, with Rooppur village selected in 1963. Despite discussions with Canada, Sweden, and Norway from 1964 to 1966, the plan was abandoned in 1970. After Bangladesh’s independence, talks with the Soviet Union in 1974 bore no fruit. In 1976–77, Sofratom’s feasibility study suggested viability, but a 125 MW project in 1980 and a 600 MW effort in 1998 faced setbacks. In 2005, a nuclear cooperation agreement with China was signed, proposing two 500 MW reactors by 2015. In 2008, funding from China was offered, but in 2009, discussions with Russia began. Despite concerns raised in 2013 regarding safety and economic viability, the Rooppur nuclear power plant contract with Rosatom, featuring two VVER-1200 reactors, was signed in 2015 for $12.65 billion and now it is a reality. It was expected to start operation of the 1st Unit by the last year, but the schedule has been revised several times due to construction being delayed because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
However, besides financial and technical support, the ultimate fuel “Uranium” is also coming from Russia for the historical mega infrastructure. Bangladesh has already received six shipments of nuclear fuel, and there are twelve bundles of uranium in each consignment, where every bundle weighs 7.5 kilograms. And from 2027 onwards, uranium operations will continue every 18 months. At that time, approximately 113,000 kilograms of uranium will be required every 18 months, with an estimated cost of Tk 523.90 crore. But if we can reduce this expense, we can spend the amount in other development sectors, becoming economically profitable. In this regard, we can utilize the potential of the Bay of Bengal.
Research shows that each year, a significant number of polymetallic nodules accumulate under the water, especially in the sediment of the ocean, containing more than 50 essential minerals in the sea, including sand, uranium, thorium, monazite, zircon, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iodine, aluminium, phosphorus, lithium, sulfur, silicon, copper, nitrogen, manganese, sodium, boron, gold, hydrocarbons, gases, clay (raw material for cement), and liquid salts. Recently, a study found that approximately 200 million tons of sediments are being deposited annually in the Bay of Bengal. These sedimentary bed deposits include valuable minerals such as uranium and thorium. The price of uranium in the global market is high due to extensive demand, especially from countries like Germany, Japan, and the United States. Commercial extraction of uranium is feasible when its concentration is at least 7 percent whereas our Maritime Zone claims more than that. Therefore, there is potential for commercial uranium extraction, particularly in certain coastal areas, including those adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. The majority of the estimated four billion tons of uranium reserves worldwide are likely to be found only beneath the seafloor, with a notable portion in the Bay of Bengal. According to a 2019 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are “potentially significant” uranium deposits in the Bay of Bengal.
However, to properly utilize the opportunity presented by the significant uranium reserves in the maritime zone claimed by Bangladesh, the country must undertake several strategic steps. These include investing in further research and exploration to accurately assess the extent and quality of the uranium reserves, collaborating with international organizations and experienced companies in the field, developing a robust regulatory framework to govern uranium extraction, acquiring advanced technology and innovation for efficient and environmentally responsible extraction, and investing in infrastructure development to support extraction and export. Additionally, capacity-building programs should be implemented to enhance local workforce skills, thorough environmental and social impact assessments should be conducted, and diplomatic efforts should be made to foster cooperation with neighbouring countries and international stakeholders. By pursuing these measures, Bangladesh can harness the potential of its uranium reserves while ensuring sustainable development and equitable distribution of benefits.
Authors: Golam Rabbani & Farhana Afser Moury
