Bangladesh is betting on atom: why the launch of the Rooppur nuclear power plant is important for the entire developing world

Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant is reaching the finish line and has already become a symbol of the country's technological breakthrough. But something else is much more important: the project shows how developing economies are trying to protect themselves from energy crises and geopolitical upheavals.

Nuclear energy is back in the game — and Bangladesh has become one of its new centers

Against the background of global growth in energy consumption and the desire to move away from hydrocarbons, many countries are again looking towards nuclear energy, writes xrust. In Bangladesh, this turnaround has acquired particular significance: the state, which until recently depended on fuel imports, is now preparing to launch its own nuclear power plant, Rooppur.

According to the station operator, the first power unit is planned to reach full capacity in early 2027, the second — in 2028. In total, they will give the country up to 15% of all electricity .

For Bangladesh, this is not just an infrastructure project — it is an attempt to escape the trap of constant fuel crises, which in recent years have led to queues at gas stations and shutdowns of factories.

Why developing countries are choosing nuclear again

1. Geopolitical risks have become too expensive

Experts note that recent conflicts in the Middle East and other regions have shown that it is poor countries that suffer most from disruptions in fuel supplies. Indian analysts emphasize that nuclear energy is a way for such states to protect themselves from external shocks.

2. Increase in energy consumption due to digitalization

Although Bangladesh does not yet have large data centers like the US or Europe, the country is striving to provide stable baseload generation for industry and cities. Nuclear energy provides a continuous flow of power, which is important for an economy that is growing faster than its grid.

3. Transition to low-carbon energy

Nuclear generation remains one of the lowest carbon energy sources. For countries that cannot afford large-scale investments in solar and wind farms, this is a viable way to reduce emissions.

Russian trace: why Rooppur became a showcase of technologies from the Russian Federation

The project is being built using Russian technology, and the cost of the contract is estimated at approximately 12.65 billion dollars — this is about 1.15 trillion rubles at the current exchange rate.

However, due to the weakening of the national currency of Bangladesh, expenses increased by almost a quarter. Local experts admit that construction delays have become a serious financial blow.

The Russian financing model — loans for 20-25 years — allows developing countries to launch large nuclear projects without an unbearable burden on the budget.

Small modular reactors: the next step

Bangladesh is already exploring the possibility of moving to small modular reactors (SMRs) with a capacity of 300-400 MW. Such installations can be built faster and cheaper by placing them along rivers and in remote regions.

The country's Ministry of Energy is negotiating with British and Chinese manufacturers.

This is also relevant for Russia: SMRs are considered as a promising export product, and interest in them is growing against the backdrop of global demand for compact energy sources.

Social networks and public opinion: the atom as a symbol of modernization

class=»notranslate»>__GTAG5__ In Bangladesh, the launch of a nuclear power plant has become almost a tourist event: residents come to take pictures in front of the cooling towers, perceiving the plant as a sign of technological progress.

Experts note that a similar effect is observed in other developing countries: nuclear energy is perceived as a sign of modernity and national success.

Regional context: South Asia is becoming a nuclear hub

In neighboring countries, nuclear energy is developing rapidly:

• India plans to increase capacity 11 times — up to 100 GW by 2047. Pakistan Pakistan received six reactors with a total capacity of 3.3 GW from China.
• Russia is building four reactors in Kudankulam, India.

For Bangladesh, this is an important psychological factor: if the neighbors did it, then the country is ready for a technological breakthrough.

Analytics: what does this mean for Russia and the global market

1. Russia is strengthening its position in the Asian nuclear market

Rooppur is one of Rosatom’s largest foreign projects. A successful launch will increase confidence in Russian technologies and strengthen the influence of the Russian Federation in the region.

2. Developing countries are becoming key customers

Currently, about 80 reactors are being built in the world, most in Asia. This means that the focus of nuclear energy is shifting from Europe to developing economies.

3. MMR can change the market

If small modular reactors prove effective, they will become a mass product for countries that cannot afford large nuclear power plants.

4. For Russia, this is a window of opportunity

Demand for nuclear technologies is growing, but there are few competitors: the USA, China, France, South Korea. Successful projects in Asia give Russia a chance to expand exports and strengthen its geopolitical position.

Risks: what could go wrong

Experts warn that the hype around nuclear energy can lead to hasty decisions. Countries must ensure:

• personnel training,
• independent regulator,
• waste management system,
• public support.

(Source: “governments must first create all the necessary conditions…” )

Without this, nuclear energy may not become a salvation, but a source of new problems.

Why is this important for Russia

For the Russian audience, the history of Bangladesh is an example of how nuclear energy becomes a tool for development and protection from crises. In the context of growing energy consumption and digitalization, such projects show that the atom remains one of the most reliable sources of energy.

Russia, as one of the industry leaders, has the opportunity to expand technology exports and strengthen its position in the global market.

Sources:

1. Bloomberg — analytics on the Rooppur project
2. World Nuclear Association — statistics on reactors
3. Carnegie Endowment — Nuclear Policy Studies

Xrust Bangladesh relies on atom: why the launch of the Rooppur NPP is important for the entire developing world