Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is poised to receive its first shipment of nuclear fuel for testing in September 2023. However, the government has opted not to seek insurance coverage for the fuel’s transportation from Dhaka airport to the plant site, citing potential impacts on project costs and electricity prices. Instead, the government will rely on a “financial assurance letter” from the finance ministry to guarantee compensation for any transportation-related damages.
Each year, the plant will require 70-80 tonnes of uranium, costing $550 per kilogram. The International Atomic Energy Agency will oversee safety protocols for the operation. Although concerns have been raised about the lack of insurance coverage for such a complex project, the current focus is on ensuring financial security through the government’s measures. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a $13.5 billion, 2,400MW project, is expected to provide a reliable and emission-free power supply over its 60-year lifespan.