In an effort to properly operate the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project, Bangladesh is now in discussions with India to share the neighbouring country’s experience of nuke plant management, said Science and Technology secretary Sirajul Islam Khan, reports UNB from Pabna. “We’re holding discussions with India to share their experiences in nuclear power plant management as they’re in a more advanced position in this field,” he said while briefing reporters at the RNPP site office. A group of journalists visited the RNPP project site yesterday to see the progress of the project.
Additional secretary of the Science and Technology Ministry Anwar Hossain, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ali Zurkarnine, RNPP project director Shawkat Akbar were present on the occasion.
Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom is building the 2400MW nuclear power plant as contractor at a total cost of $13.20 billion.
Of the total amount, Russia will charge $12.650 billion for the main plant construction while $550 million for its design and feasibility study.
Russia is providing 90 percent of the project cost under a state supplier’s credit while Bangladesh 10 percent. Bangladesh has to pay back the money with up to 4 percent in the next 28 years with an 8-year grace period.
The Science and Technology Secretary said the government is going to sign the credit agreement with Russia within the current month or in May next.
But, the Russian contractor is now developing the required office and civil constructions. But, the main construction work of the project will start in August next year with a target to commission the first 1200 MW unit in 2022 and the second phase in 2023.
Project Director Shawkat Akbar said project’s development works are progressing as per schedule. The project’s lifetime will be 50 years and could be extended by another 30 years. The per unit power tariff of the RNPP will be Tk 3.50, he added.