China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) has begun assessing potential locations for Bangladesh’s first modular nuclear power plant, with a Chinese technical team recently inspecting a site in Madarganj, Jamalpur.
Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Engineer Rezaul Karim said four possible sites had been presented to the Chinese side. The team visited char areas in Madarganj last week as part of an initial assessment of the proposed project.
Karim said BPDB was considering modular nuclear plants with a combined generation capacity of 200MW to 300MW at different locations.
The Chinese team is also expected to inspect Rangabali in Patuakhali to assess whether the area is suitable for a similar facility.
According to Karim, further steps towards developing small- and medium-sized modular nuclear plants would be taken after necessary issues are resolved, with the Ministry of Science and Technology involved in the process.
Small modular reactor technology is already in operation in Russia and China.
BPDB Seeks Clarity on Rooppur Progress
Karim also said BPDB still lacked a clear picture of progress towards commissioning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
He said the board had not received sufficient information on the current status of either Unit 1 or Unit 2.
Discussions have meanwhile started on a power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity generated by Rooppur. However, the price at which BPDB would purchase electricity from the plant has yet to be finalised, Karim said.
The developments come as Bangladesh explores modular nuclear technology alongside its large-scale nuclear power programme.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation involving the use of nuclear technology for modular power plants.
