MoU signed for 2.4 GW nuclear project in Bangladesh

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Rosatom, a Russian state corporation that specialises in nuclear energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Atomic Energy of the government of India and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the government of Bangladesh regarding the development of the Rooppur nuclear power plant, to be located in the Pabna district of Bangladesh.

The plant will consist of two nuclear power units, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW. The units are scheduled to be commissioned in 2023 and 2024. 

The project has been in development since November 2011, with construction beginning in November 2017. The general construction contractor is JSC Atomstroyexport, which belongs to the engineering division of Rosatom. The company is responsible for design, production and supply of equipment, construction, installation, start-up and commissioning, as well as preliminary work conducted at the construction site between 2015 and 2016.

This MoU sets a framework for the collaboration between the Russian contractor and experts from India and Bangladesh in the development of the project. Rosatom's statement details that the parties will co-operate in particular in training personnel, exchanging experience and supporting consulting.

Prior to this MoU, the project was being developed solely by Russia and Bangladesh. The agreement permits Indian companies to participate in construction and installation works and supplying certain materials and equipment.

Although India's potential participation in the project is limited. As the country is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which controls global nuclear commerce, Indian companies cannot participate directly in the construction of nuclear power reactors.