Daily Current Affairs : 26-December-2024

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh is a major infrastructure project that has attracted global attention. This power plant, built in collaboration with Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is set to become the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. However, recent allegations of irregularities have raised concerns about its development.

Location and Construction

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is located in Rooppur, within the Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna District, along the banks of the Padma River. This strategic location is expected to provide a steady supply of water for cooling the reactors, a critical feature for any nuclear power facility.

  • Location: Rooppur, Pabna District, Bangladesh
  • Construction Partner: Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation

The plant is designed to be a significant source of energy for Bangladesh, with an expected capacity of 2.4 GWe (Gigawatt electrical). It consists of two VVER-1200 reactors, a type of pressurized water reactor widely used in Russia and other countries.

Key Features of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
  • Total Capacity: 2.4 GWe
  • Reactor Type: Two VVER-1200 reactors
  • Location: Along the Padma River
  • Operational Goal: Expected to begin operations by 2025

This plant is expected to meet the growing energy demands of Bangladesh, providing a stable and sustainable source of electricity. The project is seen as a milestone in the country’s energy sector, which has traditionally relied on fossil fuels.

Allegations and Concerns

Despite the ambitious nature of this project, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has recently come under scrutiny due to allegations of irregularities in its construction. While the details of these allegations are not fully clear, concerns have been raised about potential safety, financial, and procedural issues that could delay the plant’s expected launch in 2025.

These allegations have cast a shadow over what is otherwise seen as a historic achievement for Bangladesh’s energy sector. It remains to be seen how the authorities will address these concerns and ensure the project’s successful completion.

Important Points
  • Location: Rooppur, Ishwardi Upazila, Pabna District, Bangladesh, along the Padma River.
  • Construction Partner: Built in collaboration with Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation.
  • Capacity: Total capacity of 2.4 GWe (Gigawatt electrical).
  • Reactor Type: Comprises two VVER-1200 reactors.
  • Expected Operational Date: Aims to become operational by 2025, making it Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
  • Purpose: To provide a stable, sustainable source of electricity for Bangladesh.
  • Allegations: The project has faced allegations of irregularities, raising concerns about safety, financial issues, and delays.
  • Strategic Location: Situated along the Padma River, which is essential for reactor cooling.
  • Milestone: Represents a major development in Bangladesh’s energy sector, moving towards nuclear energy.
Why In News

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh, a landmark project developed in collaboration with Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, has recently faced allegations of irregularities, raising concerns about the transparency and safety of its construction process. These allegations have cast a shadow over what is otherwise seen as a significant step towards meeting Bangladesh’s growing energy demands.

MCQs about Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
  1. Where is the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant located?
    A. Dhaka, Bangladesh
    B. Rooppur, Pabna District
    C. Chittagong, Bangladesh
    D. Sylhet, Bangladesh
    Correct Answer: B. Rooppur, Pabna District
    Explanation: The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is located in Rooppur, within the Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna District, Bangladesh, along the banks of the Padma River.
  2. What is the expected total capacity of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant?
    A. 1.2 GWe
    B. 2.4 GWe
    C. 3.6 GWe
    D. 5.0 GWe
    Correct Answer: B. 2.4 GWe
    Explanation: The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is designed with a total capacity of 2.4 GWe (Gigawatt electrical), making it a major source of electricity for Bangladesh.
  3. Which company is responsible for the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant?
    A. Westinghouse Electric Company
    B. Rosatom
    C. General Electric
    D. Siemens
    Correct Answer: B. Rosatom
    Explanation: The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being constructed by Rosatom, which is Russia’s state nuclear corporation, in collaboration with Bangladesh.
  4. What type of reactors will the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant use?
    A. VVER-1200 reactors
    B. PWR reactors
    C. BWR reactors
    D. CANDU reactors
    Correct Answer: A. VVER-1200 reactors
    Explanation: The plant will feature two VVER-1200 reactors, a type of pressurized water reactor widely used in Russia and other countries.

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