Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the Ruppur nuclear power plant, constructed based on a Russian-designed project, will bring about a substantial economic and environmental benefit for Bangladesh.
"At full design capacity, the plant will be capable of supplying approximately 10% of Bangladesh's energy needs," stated the Russian president during the ceremony to deliver nuclear fuel to Ruppur.
He further explained that this approach would "fulfill the energy demands of Bangladesh's expanding economy, consequently reducing the nation's reliance on coal and gas-based power generation." The Russian president emphasized that this action "will enhance the country's energy equilibrium, and the new nuclear power plant will cease emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to positive environmental and public health outcomes."
Putin emphasized the collaborative efforts of "Russian and Bangladeshi nuclear engineers, builders, and laborers who work together harmoniously and amicably." He highlighted that the construction of the nuclear power plant is proceeding as scheduled, with over 20,000 individuals, primarily Bangladeshi citizens, actively engaged in construction activities daily. Putin also underscored the project's broader economic impact, stating that "the Ruppur project generates ancillary contracts for numerous Bangladeshi businesses, fostering increased employment opportunities throughout the country." He mentioned that local contractors are responsible for executing construction and installation work, supplying materials, providing transportation, and offering various services. Additionally, Putin acknowledged the contribution of Indian companies, which are participating in the project through subcontracting arrangements, to its successful realization.
The Ruppur NPP is located on the eastern bank of the Padma River, approximately 160 kilometers from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This NPP is being constructed based on a Russian-designed "Generation 3+" project. Construction work commenced in 2021, and the NPP will ultimately comprise two power units, each equipped with VVER-1200 type reactors designed for a 60-year operational lifecycle, with the potential for extending their service period by an additional 20 years. At present, both the first and second power units are in the construction phase.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: RIA Novosti archive/Sergey Venyavsky/Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS