Assessing Risks and Rewards of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: A Crossroads for Bangladesh’s Energy Future

Bangladesh is at a critical juncture as it steps into the nuclear energy era with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant—the country’s first-ever nuclear power project. With rising energy demands and an urgent need for sustainable alternatives, this ambitious initiative promises to revolutionize the nation’s power sector. But at what cost?

On one hand, nuclear energy offers a stable, low-carbon power source, reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and boosting industrial growth. On the other, concerns about long-term waste disposal, operational safety, high maintenance costs, and geopolitical dependencies raise serious questions. How will Bangladesh navigate these challenges to ensure a safe, efficient, and self-sufficient energy future?

This commentary, written by BIPSS Research Assistant, Nabib Bin Zahid, takes a deep dive into the economic, environmental, and strategic implications of Rooppur.