Rooppur power to hit national grid soon, B'desh seeks IAEA support

Bangladesh has sought cooperation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to expedite the supply of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid.

The request was made during a bilateral meeting between a Bangladesh delegation led by Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on Thursday (September 17).

The meeting discussed fast-tracking Rooppur's power to the grid, expanding peaceful uses of nuclear technology, strengthening nuclear safety and security, and enhancing international cooperation.

The minister thanked the IAEA DG for his role in expanding peaceful nuclear technology and said Bangladesh has been benefiting from IAEA technical cooperation for over five decades in health, agriculture, food, water management, industry and energy.

He noted that Bangladesh recently signed the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026-2032, which will create new opportunities for technical cooperation.

Terming Rooppur a historic milestone for energy security, the minister said fuel loading in Unit-1 marks a major step toward carbon-free power generation, which will help meet growing demand, ensure energy security and combat climate change.

He said Bangladesh is committed to maintaining the highest international standards in nuclear safety, security and responsible management. Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia to join the Joint Convention on spent fuel and radioactive waste management, reflecting its commitment to a safe and responsible nuclear program.

The minister also thanked the IAEA for its 'Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All' initiative. Bangladesh joined the initiative in 2025 and is working closely with IAEA to establish an integrated one-stop cancer care centre ensuring accessible and patient-centric services.

He sought IAEA support to expand international education, training, fellowships and joint research opportunities for students, scientists and researchers.