Abstract
It is a challenging task for Bangladesh to meet its increasing demand of energy while its economy is rapidly growing. Though prices of oil, coal, and fossil fuels around the world have been volatile, the price trend in Bangladesh demonstrates a persistent rise in the immediate past. This is further exacerbated by depleting reserves of natural gas. Cumulatively, these two effects heighten Bangladesh’s energy needs. Bangladesh presently mitigates her energy requirements predominantly through natural gas, supplemented by a handful of coal and furnace oil plants. Consequently, due to scarcity of natural gas, oil and coal resources, nuclear power surfaces as a palatable strategic option for Bangladesh’s future development agenda. However, a successful nuclear power program entails an extensive infrastructure. Just like the other nuclear energy-producing countries, Bangladesh also face challenges to safeguard the health and security of nuclear reactors, the proper management for nuclear waste treatment and the security concerns over the safe usage of nuclear materials. Additionally, the development of nuclear energy is also bewildered because of the complex nature of fission technology, lack of efficient human resources, and non-existence of proper legal instruments to guide safe nuclear power production. Moreover, the further challenges include the questions, for example: whether the nuclear power plant project is supported by the mass people or not? What are the strategies for nuclear waste disposal? Whether the recent initiatives for nuclear energy production is necessary or the country should more concern with renewable sources? This paper evaluates the nuclear energy development in Bangladesh. It operates under qualitative methodological framework and utilises secondary sources for analysis. We advance several recommendations in this paper to remedy the highlighted issues: (1) creating a comprehensive legal and regulatory system; (2) fortifying home-based technology of nuclear development and simultaneously localising of foreign-based technology; (3) reducing the cost of nuclear energy production; (4) fast-tracking the procedure of efficient development of nuclear technology; (5) accelerating the procedure of switching to more efficient reactor and nuclear fuel cycle, and (6) conducting effective profile-raising activities to generate greater awareness and spur common acceptance.
Highlights
Bangladesh is in the stage to become the 33rd nuclear power-producing nation after the successful construction work at Rooppur, Pabna [1]
The new agendas of Europe and America present a negative impression towards nuclear technology, and they are in the process to closing down some of their nuclear power plants
Usage of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is a piece of energy security plan of Bangladesh and development of 2000 MW
Summary
Bangladesh is in the stage to become the 33rd nuclear power-producing nation after the successful construction work at Rooppur, Pabna [1]. The consistent rise in the prices of oil, coal, fossil fuels as well as the lack of natural gas reserves indicate the struggle of Bangladesh for energy demand [3]. The large portion of the country’s energy is supplied through natural gas, while it has a few coal- and oil-based power plants. Lead and particular matters cause serious damages to the surrounding environment [5] In such case, nuclear power plants can reduce fossil fuel consumption and keep the environment clean from the greenhouse gas emissions. Though there remains negative perception towards nuclear energy in the United States (US) and Europe, fast growing economy countries such as Bangladesh need such energy source in order to ensure the continuous supply of electricity to the country. In case of Bangladesh, nuclear power energy source seems to be one of the best alternative sources that could be utilised in order to achieve the nation’s social and economic priorities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
