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Bangladesh: IAEA inspects Rooppur nuclear power plant ahead of commissioning

The International Atomic Energy Agency has begun an assessment visit to the Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh’s first facility, 90% financed by Russia. The inspection focuses on site safety ahead of the scheduled fuel loading in 2025.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began an inspection mission on Monday at the Rooppur nuclear power plant, located 175 kilometres west of Dhaka. This visit aims to assess the facility’s safety before its planned commissioning by the end of the year, according to Zahedul Hassan, project manager.

Safety assessment and next steps

According to Zahedul Hassan, the IAEA’s five-day mission focuses on all safety protocols and identifying any necessary corrections. A further inspection is scheduled in the coming months before the nuclear fuel loading planned for mid-2025.

The Rooppur plant, which consists of two reactors of 1,200 megawatts each, is a strategic project for Bangladesh. With a population of 170 million, the country relies heavily on electricity imports from India, particularly during peak summer demand periods.

A project backed by Russia

The project, which began construction in 2017, represents an investment of $12.65 billion, 90% funded by Russia. The completion of transmission infrastructure is underway, and Bangladesh’s national electricity company expects the high-voltage lines to be completed by mid-March.

Judicial investigation into financing

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $5 billion linked to the plant’s construction. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in exile since last year, is under suspicion along with her family. Tulip Siddiq, former UK government minister and niece of Sheikh Hasina, has denied the allegations.

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