The long-awaited startup of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been delayed once again, this time due to ongoing issues with the construction of essential transmission lines. Although the first unit of the plant was scheduled to begin operations in March, the lack of a completed transmission network has caused significant setbacks.
The main issue lies with the 400 kV Padma River Crossing transmission line, which is crucial for evacuating power from the plant. Despite several extensions, the project remains incomplete. The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), responsible for the transmission line construction, claims that the necessary transmission lines are ready for physical startup. However, financial difficulties have halted progress, with outstanding bills of $26 million yet to be paid.
Sources from the Ministry of Science and Technology and PGCB have revealed that the delay in transmission line construction stems from a dollar shortage and the delay in releasing an Indian loan for the project. Initially, the gridline project was supposed to be funded by an Indian loan, but delays in loan disbursement led the Bangladesh government to withdraw from the arrangement and fund the project internally. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the delays. Currently, approximately $50 million is due for transmission line work, with PGCB requesting the government to release $25 million to expedite completion.
The delay in transmission line construction has also affected the scheduled operation of the Padma River Crossing transmission line, which was originally expected to be completed by March. The work on the Padma River Crossing had been temporarily halted due to political unrest and the return of foreign workers to their home countries. However, work resumed in January, although additional time may be needed for full completion.
The successful operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant hinges on ensuring grid frequency stability and the reliability of the national grid system. Experts have warned that the plant cannot be commissioned until these critical requirements are met. Additionally, a backup plan involving a gas-based power plant with a capacity of 1,907 MW is recommended to ensure a consistent power supply in case of disruptions at Rooppur.
While the power plant holds the potential to significantly boost the country’s energy capacity, these ongoing delays underscore the challenges Bangladesh faces in meeting the infrastructural requirements for its ambitious nuclear energy project. With hopes that the transmission lines will be completed by June, authorities anticipate that the first unit of Rooppur may finally be operational by September or October.
The long-awaited commencement of power generation from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has encountered further delays due to issues with the completion of necessary transmission lines and financial constraints. Dr. Md. Jahedul Hasan, the Project Director for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Construction, confirmed that the first unit of the plant could go into production within four months after the grid connection is completed. However, power supply is now expected in the third quarter of this year. Once the grid connection is established, it will take an additional two to three months for the physical startup (fuel load) and approximately one month for power startup (energy generation).
The delay in transmission line construction has been compounded by a financial crisis, which has prevented the payment of outstanding bills. PGCB Managing Director (Additional Responsibilities) Abdur Rashid Khan reported that the contractor responsible for the transmission line work is owed around $50 million, with $25 million still needed to complete the project. If these funds are provided, the remaining work on the transmission line can be finished by April. However, without settling these bills, the work cannot progress further, despite efforts to speed up the project.
Md. Rezaur Karim, Chairman of the Power Development Board, mentioned that ongoing talks with all concerned parties are taking place. He acknowledged that due to a shortage of gas, electricity generation has been difficult. However, discussions with Petrobangla and other stakeholders are expected to address the gas supply issues and move the project forward.
Despite these challenges, authorities remain hopeful that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be able to contribute to the national energy grid by the end of the year, pending the resolution of the transmission line and gas supply issues.
