Bangladesh is governed by a Parliamentary form of Government. The President is the head of State, while the Prime Minister is the head of Government. The Prime-Minister is assisted by a council of ministers in discharging his/her duties. For the convenience of administration, the country is divided into six administrative divisions, each placed under a Divisional Commissioner. Each division is further sub-divided into Zilas (Districts). After the administrative re-organization carried out in 1984, the country has been divided into 64 Zilas. Each Zila is headed by a Deputy Commissioner.

The constitution provides a Parliament for Bangladesh (to be known as the House of the nation) in which legislative power of the Republic is vested. It consists of 300 directly elected members. The members of the House of the Nation elect another 45 female members.

The People's Republic of Bangladesh is located in South-east Asia between latitudes 20°34' and 26°38' N and longitudes 88°01' and 92°41' E. The country is bordered by India on the east, west, and north and by the Bay of Bengal on the south. There is also a small strip of frontier with Myanmar. The land is a deltaic plain with a network of numerous rivers and canals. The total area of the country is 147,570 km², in which about 17% is forested. There are a few hilly areas in the southeast and the northeast of the country.

Bangladesh enjoys generally a sub-tropical monsoon climate while there are six seasons in a year, with three being more prominent, namely winter, summer and monsoon season. Winter begins in November and ends in February. In winter, there is not much fluctuation in temperature, which ranges from minimum of 7°-13°C to a maximum of 24°C-31°C. The maximum temperature recorded in the summer months is 37°C although in some places this occasionally rises up to 41°C (105°F or more). Monsoon season starts in July and lasts up to October. This period accounts for 80% of the total rainfall. The average annual rainfall varies from 1429 to 4338 mm.

FIG.1. Map of Bangladesh

The population of the country stood at 142.3 million in 2011 according to the census preliminary report. The male population was 71.2 million and female 71.1 million. The population growth rate was 1.3 %. The population density was 843 inhabitants/km² in 2001 which increased to 964 per square kilo-meter in 2011. The total civilian labour force of the country has been estimated at 57.1 million, as per the preliminary report of labour force survey 2010, of which 40.2 million are male and 16.9 million are female. In 2010, the literacy rate is 64.67 % and the life expectancy was about 67.22 years.

TABLE 1. POPULATION INFORMATION

Source: Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh 2010.

World Development Indicators database, World Bank, Year 2010.

Annual Report 2009-10, BPDB.

Flow of external resources into Bangladesh (As of 30^th June 2012) – Economic Relation Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Although the economic growth somewhat decreased during the beginning of the global economic recession of 2008-09, it bounced back in the next year and it has been maintaining over 6 % in the last three financial years. According to the Bureau of Statistics the estimated GDP growth during the financial year 2011-12 was 6.32 %.

The annual average inflation during the financial year 2010-11 was 8.80 %. This high inflation was contributed from the high price of fuel and food in the international market, plus the surplus debt flow in the unproductive sector. But in the financial year 2011-12, the up-bound pressure of inflation has lessened. The GDP pattern of Bangladesh from 1970 to 2012 is shown in Table 2.

Source: Bangladesh Economic Review 2012.

TABLE 2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

Source: Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh 2010.

World Development Indicators database, World Bank, Year 2010.

World Economic Outlook, IMF

Flow of external resources into Bangladesh (As of 30^th June 2012) – Economic Relation Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's per capita energy consumption is very low. The 2008 energy consumption value stands at about 250 kgOE compared to the world average of 1680 kgOE. Total primary energy consumption in 2008 was 33.50 MTOE and the energy consumption mix was estimated as: indigenous biomass 62%, indigenous natural gas 25%, imported oil 12% and imported coal and hydro combined for 1%. Two-thirds of the country's total population livel in rural areas, meeting most of their energy needs (domestic, commercial and industrial) from traditional biomass fuels. Various marketing companies under the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) distribute kerosene and diesel throughout the country at a uniform tariff rate set by the government. Around 32% have access to electricity, while in rural areas the availability of electricity is only 22%.

The quality of service in rural areas is very poor: frequent outages, voltage fluctuations and unreliable and erratic supply. Biomass has a large contribution in the total primary energy consumption of Bangladesh, at around 60%.

Natural gas is currently the only indigenous non-renewable energy resource of the country and this has been continuously produced and consumed in significant quantities since 1970. Gas, the main source of commercial energy, plays a vital role in the economic growth of Bangladesh. The major consumers of gas are the power and fertiliser (using gas as feedstock) sectors, which account for 46.65% and 21.71% respectively.

Natural Gas

Bangladesh gas sector started its journey in the 1960s, but its rapid expansion and integration and integration started to accelerate in the early 1970s spurred by the rising oil prices. Until now, 24 gas fields have been discovered. Natural gas fills about 75% of the total fuel consumption of the country.

Because of the increasing demand of gas, the exploration of new gas field and the development of the discovered gas fields are very important. During the financial year 2011-12, a total of 29 projects are being implemented by Petro Bangla and its companies in the oil, gas and mineral sector.

Coal

According to the present development data, the coal fields in Bangladesh are divided into five coal fields, all of which occur in the northwestern area that is sandwiched between the Jamuna River and the Padoma River in northwestern Bangladesh.

At present, foreign companies, including Indian and South Korean companies, are aggressively engaged in coal development in the country. In particular, since Godwin coal is a kind coke of good quality with limited global availability, it has drawn much attention from concerned parties in many parts of the world.

Renewables

Low income developing countries like Bangladesh are very much susceptible to the setbacks arising from the on-going energy crisis. Natural gas lies at the heart of the country’s energy usage, accounting for around 72% of the total commercial energy consumption and 81.72% of the total electricity generated. Such an overwhelming dependence on bio fuel has brought into focus the substantial amount of renewable energy resources available in the country. The potential non-exhaustive sources of energies, available in the form solar, biomass, biogas, hydropower and wind, can be harnessed to provide an environmentally sustainable energy security, as well as affordable power supply to the off-grid rural areas of the country. To this end, effective utilization of renewable energy resources has been adopted as a policy of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB). Different government, semi - government and non-government organizations (NGOs) have been working separately or jointly to disseminate renewable energy technologies (RET) throughout the country over a significant period.

At present, the different categories of renewable energy that are being used in limited ways in Bangladesh are solar, wind, hydro, waste bio-gas, and biomass gasification.

Hydroelectricity

The Karnafuly Hydro Power Station is the only hydropower pl ant in the country with a capacity of 230 MW. It is operated by BPDB (Bangladesh Power Development Board). BPDB is considering to increase production up to 330MW.

Biomass

Bangladesh is an agricultural country so biomass is available in huge amount. Cattle dun g, agricultural residue, poultry dropping, water hyacinth, rice husk etc. used for biomass power generation are available in Bangladesh.

Biogas

Biogas production plays an important role in Bangladesh since the necessary resources are plentiful. The Government along with several NGOs are working together for development of power production from Biogas. Grameen Shakti is one of the most uttered NGO in field of biogas and have completed several works.

Solar Energy

Infrastructure Development Company limited (IDCOL) has supported NGOs in installing solar home systems (SHSs); a total of 1,320,965 SHSs having capacity of approximately 36.5 MW have been installed up to February 2012.

Wind

Bangladesh is in the midst of a severe energy and power supply crisis; one of the worst in South Asia. However, the government is now looking to explore the potential of wind energy, particularly along the country’s 724 km long coastline. Wind energy can potentially generate more than 2000 megawatts of electricity in the coastal regions. The growth of wind energy in the underdeveloped, coastal areas of the country holds hope for poor, isolated communities that are not connected to the national electricity grid and who are also unlikely to receive grid connection in the near future due to the high cost of establishing infrastructure, and growing scarcity of traditional energy inputs. The Bangladesh Power Development Board has estimated that wind energy can contribute to 10% of the energy needs of the country. The Board has also calculated the cost to generate one kWh from wind energy to be about half the cost of generating an equivalent unit of power from solar energy. The expansion of the potential of wind energy will be crucial in order for Bangladesh to achieve its national vision of providing electricity to all of its population by 2020.

Source: “Current Status of Renewable energy sector of Bangladesh and a proposed grid connected hybrid renewable energy system”, International Journal of advanced renewable energy research, Md. Habib Ullah, et al., Vol. 1, Issue 11, pp 618-627, 2012

TABLE 3. ESTIMATED ENERGY RESERVES (2010)

* Net Remaining Reserve

Source: Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the US Government, Web site of Energy and Mineral Resource Division.

Annual Report 2010, PetroBangla, Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation.

TABLE 4: ENERGY STATISTICS (All energy values are in Exajoule)

* Year 2012

** Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Net import (Import - Export) of secondary energy.

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite

Source: Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the US Government, FORUM: A monthly publication of “The Daily Star”, Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2010, Official web site of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, The Financial Express, 18^th January 2013, Bangladesh Economic Review, 2012, BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2012.

Presently, primary commercial energy resources include natural gas, oil, condensates, coal, peat and renewable energy resources. Biomass still plays an important role in the country’s energy consumption in the rural area. Government is actively considering use of nuclear energy for electricity generation.

The appreciable commercial energy resources of the country are a well-developed natural gas sector and a undeveloped coal sector. Prevailing constraints in the indigenous commercial energy sources limit the scope of widening the range of possible long-term national energy supplies.

A long-term strategic plan is required for carrying out systematic exploration and proper appraisal of discoveries. Hydrocarbon resource assessment studies indicate good prospects for finding new hydrocarbon resources, especially in the offshore and deep sea areas.

Bangladesh is facing twin energy crises – an urban energy crisis characterized by power shortages and skyrocketing gas consumption and a rural energy crisis reflected in the increasing inability of the rural poor to have access even to low-valued traditional biomass. To overcome these crises, sector reforms and additional investments are urgently needed for accelerated development, and thus improving basic livelihoods of urban and rural population.

Areas having prospects of finding uranium and thorium deposits are to be appraised and techno-economic feasibility studies conducted at prospective sites.

An earlier energy planning effort led to the formulation of the first National Energy Policy (NEP) in 1996, which brought Government attention to the urgency of ensuring proper exploration, production, distribution and rational use of energy sources to meet the growing energy demand of the country. With the rapid changes in global, as well as domestic conditions, the Energy & Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) has undertaken a comprehensive programme for updating the National Energy Policy. The proposed updated policy will describe the role that the energy sector must play in order to meet its obligations for sustainable development of the country. This policy will also focus on implementation mechanisms and procedures for tracking results to ensure that the policies are reflected in practice.

Priority will be given on diversification of available indigenous commercial energy resources, with coal assuming a much expanded role in providing the country’s future energy needs.

The recoverable reserves of four coalfields could range from 250 million to 900 million tons, depending on the mining methods applied.

Due attention will be given for implementation of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to cater to the future energy needs of the country. At the same time, opportunity for regional energy trade will be explored to enhance energy security of the country.

The major issues causing slow development of the energy sector have been identified by Government and other agencies. The following remedial measures need to be taken to address those issues:

• More emphasis needs to be given on hydrocarbon exploration and development by national companies as well as IOCs to meet the future demand of gas.

• Dependence on natural gas is to be reduced by developing alternative sources of commercial energy.

• Gas and electricity consumption practices are to be improved by efficient management.

• Transparent transaction of subsidies needs to be ensured through oversight of the regulatory body.

• Massive investment is required to meet the growing energy demand.

• Power supply shortages are to be addressed by establishing new power plants, and proper maintenance and rehabilitation of existing power plants.

• Public-private partnership and/or joint ventures and private sector participation are to be further encouraged.

• Institutional capacity is to be built through necessary legal and administrative reforms and intensive investment programmes.

• Nuclear energy is to be introduced within the shortest possible time.

Strategic Goals

The overall goals of the energy sector are to:

• Provide adequate and secure energy resources for all.

• Support socio-economic development.

• Reduce poverty and ensure social equity.

• Provide a sustainable energy mix.

• Promote rational use of energy.

• Improve sector management and performance.

• Increase private sector investment.

• Ensure balanced growth of the east and west zones of the country.

• Promote regional energy markets.

Source: NEP 2008

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) was created in 1972, a public sector organisation. The Rural Electrification Board (REB) was established in 1977, as a semi-autonomous government agency.

As Dhaka grew in population and became a metropolitan city, the need for its own electricity grid led to the creation of the Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) in 1991. It was created to operate and develop the distribution system and bring improvements in customer service, revenue collection and lessen the administrative burden of BPDB. The Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd. (DPDCL) took over DESA activities in 2008 as part of an overall power sector reform, to unite the energy system, and produce a more competitive, reliable and efficient system. The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) was created in 1996 to own, operate and expand the national power grid. In 2003, PGCB completed the takeover and began the operation of all the transmission assets of BPDB and DESA. The PGCB is a public limited company, and is 76.25 % owned by BPDB; the remaining 23.75% is owned by the general public.

The creation of the Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) was also part of the reforms. It is a public sector company, and a subsidiary of DESA. However, in the future, its shares will be offered to other power sector entities and the general public.

The REB has 70 operating rural electric cooperatives called Palli Bidyuit Samity (PBS). These cover more than 90% of the area for rural electrification. These cooperatives bring service to approximately 7,200,000 new connections, and are constructing more than 14,000 km of new transmission and distribution lines each year.

The oil and natural gas market is primarily operated by the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, which holds the shares of all state-owned companies involved in oil and gas production and exploration, and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is responsible for the refining, distribution and import of crude oil and petroleum products.

The electricity sector of Bangladesh has undergone reform since the mid-1990s, including unbundling of the state-owned energy supplier, the BPDB, into separate companies responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution. At present BPDB is functioning as a single buyer, except for some direct power purchase from small IPPs. Multi buyer/competitive pools may be adopted when the market becomes mature and stable.

Since 1996, responsibility for the operation and expansion of the entire electricity transmission grid has lain with the PGCB, a subsidiary of the BPDP. Since the start of the power reform process in 1996, the DPDCL (formally the DESA) has shared electricity distribution operations in the capital with the DESCO. In addition, a further power distribution company, the West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDC), was established in 2003 as a BPDB subsidiary, and is responsible for the country’s southwest.

Although generation, transmission and distribution have been opened to foreign and private sector involvement, these sectors remain dominated by state-owned entities. BPDB accounts for over 70% of the electricity generated in Bangladesh. This share also includes the first BPDB-founded subsidiaries, such as the Ashuganj Power Company (APS), which originated with the transformation in 2002 of the state-owned Ashuganj Power Station into a joint stock company. IPPs have been allowed to enter the market since 1996. Between 1998 and 2005, seven power plants belonging to IPPs started operation, providing an installed capacity of more than 1,290 MW, mainly fired by natural gas. These plants represent a 26% share in the country’s total electrical generating capacity. Actual planning envisages the construction of further power plants by non-state-run producers, or joint state and private providers, for a total output exceeding 1,590 MW. Self-generators account for 1.1 GW of installed capacity in Bangladesh.

Moreover, the government declared its vision “Twenty-Twenty,” suggesting government would ensure electricity for all by the year 2020.

Source: Retrieved from the website http://www.reegle.info/policy-and-regulatory-overviews/BD, dated 23^rd April, 2012.

Perspective Energy Plan of Present Government

The Perspective Plan of the Planning Commission of the government of Bangladesh for the period 2010 – 2021 has recommended an energy mix to achieve the generation of 20,000 MW by 2021. Targets of electricity production by 2013 and 2015 are 7,000 MW and 8000 MW, respectively. According to the Perspective Plan, the energy mix for power generation is as follows.

TABLE 4.5. ENERGY MIX OF THE PERSPECTIVE PLAN 2010 – 2025 FOR POWER GENERATION

Source: The Perspective Plan for Bangladesh 2010-2021.

ROLE OF INDIGENOUS FUEL IN POWER GENERATION

Energy Mix

Due to the low current state of primary energy resources, demand is not being met. In this context, the Government is formulating the “Five-Fuel strategy,” of which the priorities are given below.

1. Undertake immediate exploration of hydrocarbon and identify additional reserves that can meet the growing demand of gas by all consuming sectors.

2. Develop alternative commercial energy supplies suitable for power generation, especially coal, to ease the burden of fast-growing electricity demand on gas resources. Thus a two-fuel (gas and coal) strategy is required for both resource diversification and energy security.

3. Ensure efficient use of energy by using energy–saving appliances, plants and equipment in order to effectively increase the stock of available energy supplies.4. The resource potential of renewable energy is significantly larger than its present consumption and is a promising source of clean, convenient energy supply, especially in rural areas.5. Considering the limitation of fossil fuel supplies, nuclear fuel could be a potential energy option for the country, as it is a proven technology for economic, reliable and sustainable electricity generation.

In Bangladesh, MoPEMR Power Division manages the electricity business. Under its control, power is generated by the BPDB, power plants which are departments and subsidiaries of BPDB, IPPs, and private power generation companies. Power is supplied through PBCB’s power transmission facilities to customers in local cities by BPDB, in the metropolitan area by DPDC and DESCO, and in rural areas by PBS. Note that distribution departments in local cities are being separated one by one. Fig. 3 shows the structure of the electric power sector in the country.

FIG 2. Structure of Electric Power Sector of Bangladesh

GENERATION

In order to mitigate the demand-supply gap, an aggressive plan has been prepared by the Government for new generation addition. As part of the plan, 28 power generation projects of 5048 MW capacity are now under construction. The plan envisages 12,000 MW new generation addition by 2016.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Total length of 132 kV transmission lines is 6148 c-km. The total length of 230 kV transmission lines is 2647 c-km. The total capacity of 132/33 KV sub-stations was 11157 MVA as of June 2012. The total capacity of 230/132 KV sub-stations was 7225 MVA.

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION AND INSTALLED CAPACITY

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

* Year 2012

Source: Annual Report 2009-2010, Bangladesh Power Development Board

Annual Report 2011-2012, Bangladesh Power Development Board

TABLE 6. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

⁽¹⁾ Net import / Total energy consumption.

Source: Annual Report 2009-2010, Bangladesh Power Development Board, Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the US Government, FORUM: A monthly publication of “The Daily Star”, Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2010. Annual Report 2011-2012, Bangladesh Power Development Board, BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2012. Year: 2012 – Calculation from total energy consumption and total population.

The average annual growth in peak demand of the national grid was not up to the level of projected demand. The gap between projected demand and supply is increasing day by day. If the consumption present trend of continues, the gap will increase sharply in the future. As a consequence, the socioeconomic development will tremendously be hampered.

Peaceful uses of Nuclear Technology were initiated in Bangladesh in early 1960's under the framework of the then Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). After independence, Bangladesh became a Member State of the Agency in 1972. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) was formed in 1973 by Presidential Order No. 15 with the goal of utilization of Nuclear Science & Technology for national development. The nuclear establishment in the country existed and carried out related activities even before its independence from Pakistan. The Commission was entrusted with the following charter of duties: "Promotion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy in Bangladesh, the discharge of International obligations connected therewith, the undertaking of research, the execution of development projects involving nuclear power stations and matters incidental thereto." Since then, the Commission pursued various R&D projects, established a number of research and service providing centres with necessary laboratory facilities and equipment, trained working scientists and developed supporting facilities that can be used to meet the fast changing trends of scientific and technological pursuits of the modern world.

The Law on Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control was enacted in 1993. Considering that BAEC was the only national institution that has expertise and trained human resources needed for the enforcement of the law, it was also given nuclear regulatory responsibility. On 12 February 2013, a separate regulatory organization was set in order to separate promotional responsibilities from the regulatory ones, in order to attain the required transparency in nuclear safety and radiation control especially in all stages of licensing and inspection of nuclear facilities and radiation sources.

Some of the key milestones of Bangladesh national Nuclear Power program:

BAEC was established in February 1973 through the promulgation of the Presidential Order 15 of 1973. Since then BAEC has been keeping itself engaged in the planning and development of acquiring nuclear technology for possible peaceful applications in the fields of Food, Agriculture, Health, Industry and Environment ensuring nuclear safety and radiation protection. Accordingly, BAEC has undertaken a good number of R&D programs in its various research establishments and developed indigenous expertise to achieve self-reliance through national efforts and international cooperation.

FIG 3. Current BAEC Organizational Structure

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT IN BANGLADESH

The proposal for building a nuclear power plant (NPP) in the western zone of the country was first mooted in 1961. Since then, a number of feasibility reports had been prepared which established that the plant was technically and economically feasible. The Rooppur site was selected in 1963 and 292 acres of land was acquired for the project. Physical infrastructures like residential quarters, site office, rest house, internal road, electric sub-station, pump house etc. were established in the project area. The then Pakistan government gave formal approval for a 70 MW, 140 MW and 200 MW NPP in 1963, 1966 and 1969, respectively. Following liberation, the ECNEC had approved the plan for a 125 MW NPP in 1980. A number of suppliers had submitted proposals for the project both before and after liberation. However, the project could not be implemented due to several problems, with financing as the main obstacle.

Considering the changed circumstances in national and international level the Government of Bangladesh expressed its firm commitment to implement the Rooppur nuclear power project (RNPP). It may be mentioned that the inordinate delay in project implementation has brought about a number of changes in the planning process. For example since grid size is growing, it will eventually grow to a size where accommodation of a larger plant of 1000 MW with advantage of economy of scale would be required. The growth of the grid to such a size incidentally matches the time needed for implementation of such a plant. Such changes would necessitate updating data, information and some of the past studies.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

The Government has recognized the need for a proper institutional framework with adequate financial and administrative power, accountability and transparency that can either itself and/or through a joint venture with others, build and operate NPPs. In 2000, a Nuclear Power Action Plan (BANPAP) was approved by the government. The BANPAP proposed a Nuclear Power Authority of Bangladesh (NPAB), which at the national level shall be responsible to an apex body named National Nuclear Power Council (NNPC) headed by the Prime Minister.

Before establishment of the formal institutional framework of NNPC and NPAB, the government has decided to execute the responsibility of those institutions by high level national committees. Recently, the Government has formed a Cabinet Committee on implementation of RNPP headed by the Prime Minister. The Ministers and Secretaries of relevant ministries are the members of the Cabinet Committee. The Cabinet Committee will review the implementation progress of the project, determine the ownership and project execution approach of the RNPP, finalize the financing and purchase of the RNPP and finalize the contractual agreement(s) with supplier. The Cabinet Committee will also identify the barriers in implementing RNPP and provide recommendations/directions for overcoming the barriers. At this point, the Cabinet Committee has been assigned with the functional responsibilities of the NNPC.

The government has formed a Technical Committee on the RNPP headed by the Minister of the Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST). The secretaries, head of the relevant organizations, academicians, chairman and representatives of BAEC are the members of the Technical Committee. This committee will take necessary steps to establish the organizational structure of the project implementation phase of RNPP. The committee will take initiatives to prepare comprehensive documents for consideration of the Cabinet Committee on RNPP taking into account various issues, namely the project implementation mode, technology transfer, project implementation period, financing mechanism, and regulatory issues. The Technical Committee is taking the responsibilities of the proposed NPAB. Presently, this committee is executing the project decision making phase activities of the IAEA Milestone Documents.

During the 2008 National Parliament elections, a declaration to implement the nuclear power project was made by all major parties, and a decision for immediate implementation of the NPP was taken by the national parliament in 2010.

The Government has also formed a Working Group for accomplishment of various activities to take preparation for RNPP construction. The Working-Group is responsible for identifying various activities for materializing the government decision on implementation of the RNPP. The Working Group will identify the required areas of cooperation from the supplier source(s) for the project. To accelerate the activities for starting construction of RNPP, the Government has formed eight Working Sub-Groups each of which consists of the representatives from the relevant ministries, organizations, academic institutions and the representatives of BAEC.

A road map is formulated to carry out the responsibility of the NEPIO through formation of the above-mentioned Cabinet Committee, Technical Committee and Working Group and Sub-Groups for implementation of RNPP. The Committees on RNPP and Working Group have a built-in-mechanism for linkages with relevant ministries and government agencies for R&D support, HRD, regulatory aspects, nuclear safety, security, safeguard, T & D and integrate RNPP into the overall electricity generation planning and Power purchase.

PRESENT STATUS OF NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME OF BANGLADESH

Introduction

The Government policy document outlined the programme to be taken to implement 4000 MW_e from NPPs by 2030. The Perspective Plan of the government of Bangladesh for the period 2010 – 2021 has recommended an energy mix to achieve the generation of 20,000 MW by 2021, of which nuclear power accounts for 10% of overall generation.

Present National Nuclear Power Progarmme and preparatory stage 'Rooppur NPP' Build

Due to limited resources and competencies, Bangladesh is considering building the RNPP through an Inter-Governmental arrangement (IGA). On 2 November 2011, Bangladesh signed anIGA with the Russian Federation for cooperation on construction of a NPP with two units, as well as in the establishment of necessary infrastructure to ensure the proper operation. BAEC is appointed as the customer for IGA on behalf of Bangladesh government. To implement the provisions of the IGA, a General Contract for construction of RNPP needs to be concluded. At the present stage of the programme, one of the major undertakings is to develop national capabilities to become a knowledgeable customer.

INIR Mission

Prior to the mission, the INIR mission team reviewed the self-evaluation report and supporting materials. Input was sought from IAEA staff members with relevant experience. Several INIR mission team meetings were conducted prior to the mission, including full team meetings in Vienna on 4 November 2011 and Dhaka on 8 November 2011, to discuss the team’s initial views on the infrastructure status.

The mission was conducted from 9-15 November 2011. Given the long history of the Bangladesh nuclear power programme planning and the conclusion of IGA for the NPP, the team reviewed conditions for both Phases 1 and 2.

The mission was coordinated on the Bangladesh side by the Secretary of the MOST. A detailed presentation of the preliminary mission results was given to senior officials in an exit meeting on 15 November 2011.

The mission team recognized that the Bangladesh nuclear power program and associated infrastructure is progressing. A few notable developments have taken place, including the signing of the IGA on 2 November 2011 and preparation of the organizational framework of the new Regulatory Body.

The INIR mission team concluded that the Government has made a clear commitment to a nuclear power programme, which is important to sustaining the planning process and to implementing the project. The mission team noted, however, that in the last decade several draft policies and action plans that have not been fully updated or approved. The mission team observed that once the project is initiated, sustained policies, and sustained leadership will be necessary to complete the negotiations and implement the project.

The INIR mission team concluded that Bangladesh reached Milestone 1, having “made a knowledgeable decision” regarding its nuclear power program. There are two open issues that still require attention from Phase 1, namely management and funding/financing. The INIR mission team concluded that the Bangladesh nuclear power program in general has progressed into Phase 2, being in the stage of preparation to negotiate the agreement(s)/contract(s) with selected NPP Vendor.

To assist Bangladesh in making progress in its infrastructure development, the Mission team made 50 recommendations. The key recommendations are summarized as follows:

Preparations for contract negotiations should be made. To become a “knowledgeable customer” and to be ready to negotiate with the vendor, the BAEC will need to develop specifications for the contract which cover technical, economic, commercial and training aspects for the fuel supply, the reactor units, supporting infrastructure and spent fuel take-back and waste disposal. Bangladesh should have a clear understanding of the two options—Government ownership (turnkey) or BOOT and prepare analysis of options for decision-makers (including risk analysis), as well as have the capabilities within BAEC to negotiate and prepare the contract. The coordination among the Government committees overseeing the programme and with the implementing organizations (the future owner and the regulatory body) will need to be strengthened to allow for timely decisions to be taken and implementation to be facilitated.

The regulatory body should be strengthened. The draft Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulations Act of 2011 should be promulgated as soon as possible to establish an independent regulatory body. The regulatory body should be prepared to issue the site license. An agreement with the Russian regulator for training and technical support during the licensing of the first NPP in Bangladesh is in process and should be finalized. Eighteen needed regulations identified during the mission, eight of which have already been drafted, should be finalized and issued.

Management of the nuclear infrastructure development should be strengthened. As the programme progresses into the next stage after the IGA and prepares to negotiate with the vendor, BAEC is undergoing significant changes. BAEC should be prepared to carefully manage these changes: NPED, as the future owner, should become a knowledgeable customer for the Russian vendor and its organization inside BAEC should grow accordingly. The NSRCD has become an independent organization and will move to a separate building which has already been constructed. Bangladesh should commit to ensure appointment of leaders (especially in future owner and regulatory body) with appropriate training and experience for leadership and management of safety. Integrated management systems (including quality management) should be planned and implemented in both BAEC and the regulatory body which define the organizational goals and key processes in sufficient detail.

A national project plan should be developed. The project plan should include the relevant actions from other national authorities responsible for infrastructure activities necessary for the NPP. The project plan should include timeframes and financial evaluations. The BANPAP should be updated, which could serve as an outline for such a project plan.

On-going activities should be completed. Siting studies should be completed as soon as possible in conjunction with the NPP vendor. Roles and responsibilities for nuclear power infrastructure should be clarified with other national authorities (e.g. Ministry of the Environment). A national level human resource plan should be developed covering the regulatory body, the future owner-operator and the future waste management organization. Where appropriate, integrated training should be provided. A strategic plan for stakeholder management and public information should be implemented. A policy for the fuel cycle including take-back of spent fuel should be developed. A policy for long-term management of Low and Medium level radioactive waste (RW) that will not be sent back should be developed which would include a financing scheme.

In addition to these recommendations, the INIR mission team made 20 specific suggestions to support continued improvement and strengthening of the Bangladesh program.

The INIR mission team further recognized two good practices, which are worthy of the attention as a model in the drive for excellence in infrastructure development: the preparation of a safeguards policy paper and the ranking of the nuclear facility as a key protected infrastructure for the purposes of physical protection.

The mission helps to identify issues and gaps needing further attention for construction of the first NPP and provided recommendations to address different infrastructure issues to progress into phase 3 through achievement of the IAEA milestone 2. An Integrated Workplan (IWP) for Bangladesh nuclear infrastructure building for the period 2012-2015 has been prepared with the consultation of IAEA and its bilateral partner, the Russian Federation. All possible activities/programmes correspond to each recommendation/suggestion and each of the 19 infrastructure elements are included in the IWP focusing on future areas for bilateral assistance of the IAEA and Russian Federation.

Bangladesh is evolving an energy-mix diversification, where nuclear energy is assumed as one of the choices to meet the growing energy needs. The IAEA milestone approach could be the best methodology and guiding tool for the development of nuclear power infrastructure of Bangladesh. In addition, international cooperation is required.

Bangladesh Nuclear Power Action Plan

In 2000, the government of Bangladesh adopted the National Nuclear Action Plan (BNPAP) for meeting the purposes mentioned below for early implementation of the nuclear power project in the country. The main purpose of this document is to identify:

• Various activities needed for implementation of the nuclear power programme;

• The agencies responsible for each of these activities;

• Enabling measures like funding, for conducting the activities.

The Table of Contents the BANPAP is as follows:

Presently, Bangladesh is revising and updating the BANPAP according to national and International aspects of the nuclear power programme.

TABLE 7. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

In the 1^st meeting of the National Committee on2 March 2011 on the subject related to direction and monitoring for the implementation of the RNPP Project, it was decided that RNPP Project will be implemented under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh. In that meeting, the process of BOOT and Turnkey were also been considered.

In the light of the National Committee, an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) was signed on the construction of the NPP between the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Russian Federation on 2 November 2011 in order to implement RNPP Project. According to section 2 of IGA, BAEC and MOST are considered as customer and competent authority of the RNPP respectively. On the other side, Atomstroyexport on behalf of Russian federation and Rosatom have been identified as the contractor and competent authority respectively.

The different aspects of the project implementation were discussed on the meeting held in the Prime Minister’s office on 25 January 2012, convened by the economic advisor of the Prime Minister. In that meeting, a detailed discussion of merits of BOOT and Turnkey process was held, considering the present progress of RNPP Project.

Under the auspices of the Russian Government, there is a provision to implement the RNPP through the establishment of a joint venture company under the BOOT operator. If the project is implemented under this process, the Government of Bangladesh will not have direct responsibilities on the process of implementation as well as funding of the project. Moreover, the involvement of the local experts for the different phases of the project implementation and operation of the plant is not mandatory. Depending on the consideration of the overall risks rendered on the BOOT operators in case of the implementation and operation of the project, the cost of the electricity generated from RNPP will be relatively high. On the other hand, because of the supply of the electricity in an affordable price mostly depends on the BOOT operator, there will be uncertainty in the energy security of the country in the long term. In addition, the provision on the human resource development for nuclear technology, including technology acquirement, will be narrower and hence there will be perplexity on the handover of the plant to Bangladesh. Moreover, if initiatives are taken to implement the RNPP Project in cooperation with the Russian Federation following BOOT process, there will be necessity to change and re-correct the conditions of the signed IGA. As a result, bilateral discussions will be needed between the two governments in order to re-construct the already completed agreement following the BOOT process. In this case, there can be procrastination in the implementation of the project.

On the other hand, the RNPP Project can be implemented under the ownership of Bangladesh Government following a turnkey process in cooperation with Russian Federation depending on the signed IGA. In this case, Bangladesh has to take responsibilities of collecting funds, including all management systems of the implementation of the project. Still, the maximum probable risks can be rendered on the supplier country in the phase of design, construction and commission of the nuclear plant through completing a proper Turnkey Contract with the supplier country. Considering the nuclear infrastructure, the RNPP can be implemented through completing a turnkey contract with the supplier country, following the international rules under the local jurisdiction. A proper institution can be given responsibilities under the auspices of Bangladesh Government in the completion of the design, construction, commissioning and overall implementation of the RNPP.

It is necessary to prepare a financing plan, which includes necessary infrastructure, all site studies and the construction of the plant, in the light of the signed agreement with Russian Federation, in order to estimate the actual cost of the implementation of RNPP Project. The terms and condition of the financial contract shall be drafted for the State Credit from the supplier’s country. In this case, the interest rate should be kept to a minimum. Apart from the State Credit, the part which the Bangladesh Government will carry, shall be explored from different sources, e.g. Annual Development Project (ADP), soft loan, etc.

On 2 November 2011, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh signed Agreement on cooperation for the construction of a NPP on the territory of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. An agreement was signed on 15 January 2013 between the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the Russian Federation on the extension of a state export credit to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for financing of the preparatory stage for construction of a NPP in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The credit shall be used by Bangladesh during 2013 – 2016.

Bangladesh has a plan for a two-stage construction approach. The stages are as follows.

(i) Siting assessment to First Concrete

(ii) Construction and commissioning

The siting assessment to first concrete pouring for unit-1 will be finished at the end of 2016 and this will be done under a turn-key package. The first stage has four sub-phases.

- Feasibility Evaluation plus Environmental Impact Assessment, site engineering survey

- Permit of the site license & detailed project report

- Design & Documentation (e.g. preparation of PSA, PSAR etc.)

- Excavation, Priority civil construction, erection

Bangladesh has analysed the funding and financing issues. Considering the size of national economy, a financing instrument consisting of a state export credit by the government of the vendor country for financing construction of the NPP must be considered. The national strategy on the level of intended borrowed amount has been planned and implemented. Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Bangladesh on the extension of a state export credit to the Government of Bangladesh for financing of the preparatory stage and construction of NPP has been concluded and the main terms and conditions for export credit for construction of RNPP has been agreed by both the countries.

The power generated at different power stations is transmitted through a national grid system (230 kV & 132 kV) operated and maintained by PGCB

At present, the national grid system has the capability to handle a maximum load of about 7000 MW.

The grid system of Bangladesh has a National Load Dispatching Center (NLDC) located in Aftabnagar, Rampura, Dhaka. According to the plan, 400 kV transmission lines are going to be hooked up with the grid system in the near future. The 400 kV lines will mainly be used to import electric power from India. Some of the key parameters of the above grid system are given below:

As per the present power system expansion plan, the dependable generation capacity of the country will be about 12000 MW against a maximum demand of about 11000 MW in 2017. The installed capacity is projected to increase to about 33000MW by 2030. It is expected that by 2020 the contribution from nuclear generation will be about 2000 MW and by 2030 it will be increased to about 5000MW. Keeping all the above in mind the PGCB needs to take up measures to upgrade the national grid so as to make it compatible with the generation capacity of the country and in particular, make the grid ready for accommodating the upcoming NPP by 2017 and a second unit by 2020. For this purpose detailed power system studies including load flow studies, transient stability studies, long duration system dynamics studies involving loss of generation, etc., are to be conducted as soon as possible.

SITE SAFETY REPORT OF THE PROPOSED ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT

Bangladesh prepared a draft site safety report on RNPP in 2000. Recently, the Government of Bangladesh has taken steps to carry out several new site specific studies and also review/update the previous studies/data to finalize the site safety report. BAEC has conducted the following site specific studies of the proposed RNPP to estimate the specific safety parameters required for designing and constructing the NPP.

(i) Site Specific Geological, Geophysical and Geotechnical Study of Rooppur Nuclear Power Project

1. Review of geology and fault information; Compilation of earthquake database; Analysis of seismic source and seismicity characteristics; Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (200, 475, 975, 2475 years);

2. 1D Site response analysis (Site specific) study; Development of site specific response spectrum;

3. Determination of liquefaction resistance by cyclic triaxial test;

4. Assessment of liquefaction potential of the site;

5. Supervision of Geophysical Investigation by P-S logging and

6. Analyses of Soil Stabilization and Slope Stability.

BAEC had made agreements with the Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and Ground Water Hydrology Division (GWH), Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), to perform services in respect of above-mentioned study.

Summary of the Study:

• Tectonically Bangladesh is divided broadly into three (3) divisions :

• Stable Shelf (in the northwest),

• Bengal Foredeep (in the centre), and

• Chittagong-Tripura Belt (in the east).

• In addition, there is a SW-NE trending 25 km wide Hinge Zone separating the Bengal Foredeep from the Stable Shelf. The proposed NPP site at Rooppur is located near this Hinge Zone in the Stable Shelf part.

• During the last decade, the occurrence and damage caused by a number of earthquakes (magnitude between 4 and 6) inside the country or near the country’s border, has raised the awareness among the general population and the government. These earthquakes are located far away from the Rooppur site.

• There is no indication of surface faulting around the site;

(ii) Study on Site related hydrological and morphological characteristics of Ganges River in the vicinity of the site, and flooding effect due to global climate change impact and man-made major interventions

BAEC has taken steps to finalize a report on hydrological and morphological characteristics of the site area in collaboration with the Institute of Water Modelling IWM). IWM has already conducted the requisites of the site study, whose summary is given below.

• Global climatic change has significant impact at the project area from hydrology and hydraulic points of view (depth & extent of flood).

• There is no impact of tsunami at the power plant site.

• Due to construction of the proposed Ganges Barrage, the water level will be up to 17m PWD. The crest level of existing embankment and pakshey bridge guide bund is 16.5 m PWD and 16.7m PWD respectively.

• There is no hydraulic impact at the RNPP site due to the Gorai river restoration project.

• With a global warming scenario, it is found that the computed water level is over 18mPWD in the vicinity of RNPP site, while the existing embankment height is 16.5m PWD.

• Possibility of left bank erosion of Ganges River at RNPP site is insignificant.

• The recommended location for the intake point is 401177.95m easting and 659569.00m northing.

• The recommended location for the outfall point is 403952.90 m easting and 659543.00m northing.

(iii) The issue of Safety and Security of the Site

The issue of safety and security in siting, designing, construction and operation phases of RNPP has to be given top priority. The selection of nuclear technology is crucially important for Bangladesh. Since the RNPP Project site was selected earlier, the essential characterization of the selected site includes items that will impact cost. Moreover, it has become necessary to obtain an authorization or siting license from Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. Recently, Government approved a development project for completion of preparatory construction of RNPP. Initiatives have been taken for the development of technical and economic feasibility evaluation of the site for the NPP location and substantiation of the basic design solutions for the RNPP construction. The assessment of the RNPP environmental impact has been undertaken. Steps have been taken for finalizing comprehensive engineering and environmental studies for developing documentation for the NPP construction and assessment of RNPP site to confirm the acceptability of the site and development documents for the site license for NPP construction. Bangladesh has decided to involve the NPP design institute of the vendor country in the site characterization of RNPP so that the reactors must be complimented with the latest safety codes for severe accident prevention and capable of tolerating any severe man-made or natural events, namely earthquakes, floods, etc.

It is planned that a core group will be formed before the construction of the plant and that group will be involved in the construction of the plant with the main contractor.

In case of the RNPP, the scope of the participation of the national industry in the project will be limited to items that do not have safety implications and such works, if undertaken by local parties, will be coordinated under the supervision and total responsibility of the General Contractor from the supplier side. However, the local participation should be maximized.

While signing the main contract, a separate contact will be signed about training a group of core operators within BAEC, who will be skilled enough to obtain a licence from the main contractor’s country. This core group will work under the main contractor’s operator for a substantial amount of time.

Similar to the construction and operator core groups, a separate group will also be formed for decommissioning who will obtain training and skill from the main contractor’s country.

Existing Waste Management Facility

Bangladesh is not operating any NPP. Radioactive wastes are being generated through the operation and maintenance of 3MW_t TRIGA MARK-II Research Reactor, Radioisotope production labs, 14 MeV Neutron Generator, research and commercial irradiators, and from different industries, research labs (such as INST, AECD, IFRB, ICDDRB, etc.), universities, agricultural applications, etc. Also, several isotope production and use facilities in medicine produce various sorts of LLW. The waste management program is focused on the research reactor and industrial uses of radiation/nuclear sources.

BAEC has established the Central Radioactive Waste Processing and Storage Facility (CWPS) in the campus of AERE, Savar under the Government Annual Development Project and the IAEA Technical Co-operation Project (BGD/4/022, 2001-2004). The functions of this facility are: collection, segregation, packaging, conditioning, treatment, and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes from different nuclear facilities.

The design of the facility was based on the IAEA generic reference design. The main building is a single storey building (total area 1163 m²; size: 40 m x 35 m), divided internally into a number of rooms and areas for different purposes. The main building consists of a suitable combination of mainly two areas: one for receiving and processing waste from the generators, including the necessary equipment, machinery and support services for treating and conditioning the waste; the second one for storing radioactive wastes.

Approximately 6.61m³ of LILW have been collected and safely stored at CWPSF. CWPSF is expected to serve the waste management needs in the country and, in the course of time, it may be turned into an International level training centre in the field of radioactive waste management. The facility is expected to be helpful in piloting waste management tasks in large scale in the near future. The Safety Analysis Report (SAR) of the facility has recently been prepared in collaboration with the IAEA and it is expected that the facility will be licensed very soon.

Approach to Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Bangladesh believes that a healthy market exists at the front end of the fuel cycle. Currently, all reprocessing plants are state owned and any guarantee from a supplier would have the implicit or explicit agreement with the corresponding government. Based upon the existing nature of the nuclear business worldwide, Bangladesh is considering a long-term contract and transparent suppliers' arrangements with supplier(s) through backing of the respective government in order to ensure availability of fuel for the nuclear power reactor of the country. Examples would be: fuel leasing and fuel take-back offers, commercial offers to store and dispose of spent fuel, as well as commercial fuel banks. On the other hand, at present there is no international market for spent fuel disposal services. Storage facilities for spent fuel are in operation and are being built in several countries. There is no international market for service in this area, except for the readiness of the Russian Federation to receive Russian supplied fuel.

Bangladesh is considering accessing detailed technical descriptions of the nuclear fuel assemblies offered from the supplier side, including physical, thermo-hydraulic, thermodynamic and mechanical data as well as calculations for batch planning (short term and long term). The supplier shall provide the QA programme, Handling and inspection methods for new and spent fuel and Tools for fuel and control rod manipulation and the scope of supply and services. The first core as well as the first reload should be included in the scope of supply for the plant. The bidders should include the supply of further reloads as an option.

The general concerns of Bangladesh about the nuclear fuel cycle are as follows.

1. The owner/operator of the nuclear plant in Bangladesh needs to ensure availability of fuel for the NPP from supplier(s) covering its entire life cycle.

2. The above life cycle supply assurance shall include all services related to the front end of the fuel cycle. “Fuel leasing-fuel take-back” model (full or partial) is conceivable for Bangladesh.

3. Alternate sources of services and supply of the front end of fuel cycle should be identified to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances.

4. Depending on the size of the nuclear power programme, efforts will be made to acquire the technology of fabrication of fuel elements based on imported raw materials and enrichment services in order to ensure security of fuel supply.

5. Pending a final decision on the back-end of the fuel cycle, the NPPs will have provision for on/ off -site spent fuel storage, the size of which shall be sufficient to store the spent fuel generated over their respective life cycles.

6. Sufficient security and physical protection and safety of the fuel storage on-site will be provided in accordance with the relevant provisions of the non-proliferation regime, as well as national law and regulations on nuclear safety and radiation control.

Bangladesh will consider any suitable model of nuclear fuel cycle under the responsibility of the IAEA as the guarantor of service and supplies, e.g. as administrator of a fuel bank.

Bangladesh opines that as far as assurances of supply are concerned, the proposed multilateral approaches to nuclear fuel cycle could provide the benefits of cost-effectiveness for developing countries with limited resources. Bangladesh is strongly supporting the Agency’s approach of developing and implementing international supply guarantees with IAEA participation.

Rooppur NPP

For RNPP, a strategy for fuel cycle has been established through the IGA between the Russian Federation and Bangladesh. Under the IGA, the Russian Federation will cooperate with Bangladesh on long-term supply of nuclear fuel and take back of spent fuel, cooperation in the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning of NPP units.

BAEC has been engaged in R&D in various fields of peaceful applications of nuclear techniques since the early 1960s. Introduction of nuclear power in the country has always been a priority area. Development of human resources for the programmes was initiated in the 1960s with the assistance of the IAEA, which is still on-going. However, since it was not possible to implement the nuclear power project for different reasons, activities of the organisation were diversified to make them responsive to the development needs of different sectors of national economy. Activities now encompass the following areas.

(a) Medicine

One Institute and nine Nuclear medicine Centres have been established in different parts of the country.

(b) Agriculture

(c) Food and Medical Products

(d) Industry

(e) Radio-tracer techniques

(f) Radiation Processing Technology

(g) Vulcanization of Rubber Latex

(h) Radioisotope Production

(i) Development of nuclear analytical science

(j) Research reactor

A 3 MW research reactor has been installed for conducting research, training of personnel and production of short-lived radioisotopes for medical uses. It may be mentioned that in spite of its being the first major nuclear facility in the country, the local participation in its implementation was significant. Appropriate research laboratories based on the reactor facilities, such as radioisotope production, neutron activation analysis, neutron radiography, neutron spectrometry for elemental and structural analysis of materials are being developed.

(k) Exploration of nuclear and other related minerals

Prospecting of nuclear and related minerals is included in the overall programme of the BAEC. Surveys were conducted in the past in various regions of the country to ascertain the possibilities of finding Uranium and Thorium. This survey helped identify some areas where such materials are available at various levels of concentration. Extensive surveys, including drilling, are needed to ascertain the extent of reserves and the prospects of their mining on a commercial scale.

(l) Tissue Banking and Bio-materials

(m) Isotope hydrology

(n) Element analysis by Van de Graaff and Tandem Accelerator facilities

BAEC's overall R&D programs are formulated in two distinct trains, namely (a) problems addressing the needs of national development and (b) basic R&D. Of these, the first group of projects is now being given higher priority. This will also be evident from the fact that vertical linkage of BAEC is provided through the Ministry and the Planning Commission, which ensures that national goals and development targets are featured in its programs and projects.

Over the years, the IAEA has been a partner-in-development in most of the leading BAEC institutes. This has meant a continuing relationship with various institutes at Savar and at AECD. Broadly speaking, the program at Savar covers research reactor commissioning and its utilization for isotope production, 1.85 PBq Co-60 irradiator, neutron activation analysis, and neutron radiography. Nuclear analytical facilities, and laboratories for repair and maintenance of nuclear instruments, have been established both at Savar and at AEC, Dhaka. Utilization of Van de Graaff accelerator at AECD was also supported by the Agency. NDT program at AECD and isotope hydrology at Savar, and food preservation, pest control, radiation sterilization of pharmaceuticals, tissue banking and agrochemical residue analysis at the Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, have also been well supported.

Bangladesh has not yet engaged with advanced nuclear technologies.

MEMBERSHIPS IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Bangladesh became a Member State of the IAEA in 1972.

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Bangladesh is a party to a whole range of commitments to the international nuclear non-proliferation and verification regime, such as NPT, Bilateral Safeguard Agreement with the IAEA, the Protocol Additional to Safeguards Agreement, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Please see Appendix 1.

PAST TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION WITH IAEA

BAEC operates under the MOST, and is thus an integral part of the scientific network of the country. BAEC has been the national focal point for the IAEA including its Technical Cooperation (TC) program, which has, so far, covered almost the entire range of BAEC activities, especially those, which have direct relevance to the national development agenda. The total assistance provided during the last 10 years (1991-2000) amounted to approximately US$6.885 million. More than half of this assistance (53.87%) was devoted to the human resources development areas, namely experts, fellowships, training courses, and scientific visits. The reminder was provided in the form of equipment and subcontracts. Area-of-activity wise, 88% of the assistance was provided in five areas, namely, agriculture (24.2%), application of isotopes and radiation in medicine (21.2%), nuclear engineering and technology (20.3%), nuclear safety (13.1%), and industry and hydrology.

ONGOING TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION WITH IAEA

The list of on-going IAEA TC Projects is as follows:

2012-2014

2012-2013

A number of 1660 personnel has primarily been selected in different phases for the RNPP Project. It is necessary to chalk out the framework of training to implement the project, operate and properly maintain the plant. According to the signed bilateral cooperation agreement between the Russian Federation and Bangladesh, there are ample opportunities to develop human resource with the help of the Russian Federation. Necessary infrastructures for the higher education and training on nuclear science and engineering need to be established in order to operate RNPP safely and in a cost effective manner as well as implement the nuclear power project of the government. The national universities can be requested to encompass the curriculum of nuclear science and technology in the graduate and post-graduate levels, as well as develop necessary education and research infrastructure. During the visit of the Bangladesh delegation to the Russian Federation on 25-29 February, 2012, the Russian Federation agreed to conduct a survey to evaluate the present education system and its different facets in order to draft a framework of the human resource development for the project. If this survey is conducted, it is easier to finalize the necessary human resource infrastructure of RNPP Project and draft the framework of the necessary training program. In this regard, an initiative has been taken to draft a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the related organization of the Russian Federation.

At present, Bangladesh is developing an integrated, national human resource strategy and plan which includes the following features.

• Overall human resource requirements for all involved organizations (BAEC as Owner/ Operator, Regulatory Body, Technical Support Organization, Educational Institutions, etc.)

• The established NEPIO for Bangladesh is organizing and coordinating among themselves in developing human resource for the nuclear power sector.

• The expected support from both the vendor country (for the regulator, Technical Support Organization and others) and the vendor itself (for the NPP), in implementing the human resource plan, including the support required to develop the human resource infrastructure.

• A high level plan identifying how the training will be developed and implemented for all the identified resources, clearly identifying the balance of training between Bangladesh and the vendor.

Project management team for the operator as well as the regulatory body will be developed by the vendor country and IAEA. Also, the NPP operator’s training will be included in the forthcoming general construction agreement.

Initiatives for the capacity building in national academic and research infrastructure in the field of nuclear science and technology have been taken. Dhaka University has established a Department of Nuclear Engineering and started M. Sc. courses in nuclear engineering this year. In addition to Dhaka University, several national and private institutions have come up with nuclear engineering courses in the graduate level. The expansion of national nuclear science and engineering education will enhance the development of technical competence of personnel of the regulatory authority, nuclear power plant owner/operating organization and all technical support organizations. Steps towards establishing national policy on the fuel supply and spent fuel take-back and waste disposal system have been undertaken. Since the supply of nuclear fuel will be mainly import oriented it may be considered a source of risk to fuel supply security. Bangladesh adopted a policy to ensure availability of fuel for RNPP covering its entire life cycle and considered the fuel leasing and take back option. To raise the public education and awareness on nuclear and radiation safety, necessary activities in setting up a Nuclear Information Centre is underway.

Planning for nuclear power at the Roopur site has been on-going for nearly 50 years with no public opposition and with support of the local community. A recent newspaper poll showed 65% of the public in favour, and a poll of students in Dhaka and around the site showed 60% in favour. The BAEC website has information on the RNPP project, including the national justification.

The Ministry of Information will develop a plan for public communication on behalf of the government once the contract is signed. Bangladesh informed the team that the draft BAER 2011 contains provisions for the responsibilities of the regulatory body for stakeholder involvement. BAEC’s scientific information office responds to questions and inquiries regarding the RNPP.

Outreach to neighbouring countries has been done in a variety of contexts, including through cooperation agreements, consultations and assistance in the area of regulatory development. The National Parliament and local officials are involved and consulted in the planning. For example, representatives from the local community participated in the ceremony for the IGA signing.

At the local site, BAEC maintains an office. The local residents were resettled long ago from the land, which has been preserved for the RNPP use. IAEA and FNCA training has been provided to the BAEC and Ministry technical officials. While many elements of a public information programme in different organizations exist, an interagency plan and strategy for each organization was not evident. A stakeholder management systems in the future owner and the regulatory body should be developed in order to track inquiries and follow-up. Now that the IGA has been signed, additional information regarding the national criteria and technology selected should be developed.

INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC

In Bangladesh, the acceptance of nuclear power is in general favourable, especially in and around the site. This is evident from the fact that, in spite of the inordinate delay and land being a precious commodity for the villagers, it has been possible to retain the land for the project for about four decades. The general perception is that construction of a NPP would create job opportunities and have other spin-off benefits for the residents. Moreover, back in the 1960's, the families affected by eviction were offered attractive compensation packages. Nevertheless, it is apprehended that opposition groups may be encountered as soon as construction work starts. An effective public acceptance programme has to be designed and implemented in order to enhance public acceptance.

An initiative has been taken to establish a Public Information Center in Bangladesh with the help of the Russian Federation. The information center will help enhance the public awareness on nuclear science & technology in different phases of the public. Thus, it will be easier to inspire secondary and higher education students to be involved education and research on nuclear science and technology. A MOU will be signed on the establishment of the afore-mentioned information center between Rosatom, Russian Federation and MOST. A proper site is to be selected in order to establish the Nuclear Information Center. The establishment of this center can be primarily placed in Bangabandhu Sheikh Muzibar rahman novo-theater or the Atomic Energy Center in Dhaka.

Presently, the BAER Act 2012 was passed in the National Parliament on 19 June 2012 to develop the capacity of the nuclear regulatory body. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority was formed as a separate entity on 12 February 2013. This authority is responsible to regulate the use of atomic energy, radiological practices and relevant activities under the provision of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control (NSRC) Act, (No. 21 of 1993) and the NSRC Regulations 1997.

Based on INIR recommendations, initiatives for an appropriate nuclear infrastructure have been taken, including, among others, establishment of a competent and effectively independent regulatory authority with adequate legal provisions on nuclear safety, radiation protection, authorization, transportation and waste safety, nuclear security, handling and safeguarding of nuclear material and nuclear liabilities for transporting of nuclear material. The issuance of licenses for the different phases on NPP activities and regulatory supervision of the NPP will be the most critical factor. BAER Authority is preparing safety regulations and guides for issuance of individual permits or licenses for site, construction and operation of NPP, as well as import, transport, storage, export goods and services.

In order to obtain other nuclear related licences, an entity, shall apply for a licence to the Regulatory Authority in the prescribed form applicable for the specific class and practice, furnishing all pertinent information required by the applicable standard and guide.

The "Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Act, 1993" was passed by the National Assembly of Bangladesh in July, 1993 and is in force since then. According to this law, BAEC was empowered to work as the nuclear regulatory body. The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control Rules were formulated for that purpose in 1997. Presently, the Regulatory Body has been separated from BAEC. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Act 2012 was passed in the National Parliament on 19 June 2012. The Contents are as follows.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory (BAER) Act, 2012

Contents

Chapter One: Preliminary

1. Short title and Commencement

2. Definitions and Interpretation

3. Overriding effect of the act

Chapter Two: Regulatory Authority

4. Establishment of the Authority

5. Office of the Authority

6. Constitution of the Regulatory Authority

7. Tenure of office, resignation etc. of the Chairman and Members

8. Qualifications, Disqualifications etc. of the Chairman and Members

9. Resignation, Discharge/ Removal and Incapable of performing duties of Chairman and Members

10. Meeting of the Authority

11. Responsibility and function of the Authority

12. Financial Advisor and Secretary

13. Appointment of Employees of the Authority

Removal of Chairman or Members of the Authority

14. Delegation of Power

15. Funds of the Authority

16. The Advisory Council

17. Expert Committee

Chapter Three: Authorization Process

18. Restrictions on certain activities

19. Authorization procedures of nuclear, radiation and radioactive waste disposal facility

20. Notification

21. Procedures for issuing authorization

22. Decommissioning

23. Responsibilities of the Authorization holder

24. Authority to control import and export of nuclear and radioactive material

25. Authorization for import and export

26. Import Authorization Criteria

27. Export Authorization Criteria

28. Suspension and cancellation of authorization

Chapter Four: Safety & Security of radioactive materials, nuclear safety, quality assurance, physical protection and safeguards

29. Safety & Security of radioactive materials

30. Nuclear Safety

31. Radiation Protection

32. Quality Assurance

33. Physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities

34. Safeguards and import & export control

35. State system of accounting for and control of Nuclear Material (SSAC)

36. Information requirements additional to material accounting and control

37. Illicit trafficking

Chapter Five: Transport and Waste Safety

38. Management of Radioactive waste and spent fuel

39. Transport of Radioactive materials

Chapter Six: Emergency Preparedness and Response

40. Emergency planning and response

41. Emergency rectification measures

42. Nuclear and radiological emergency planning

Chapter Seven: Liability for nuclear damage

43. Liability of the operator

44. Liability during transportation

45. Amount of Liability

46. Financial Guarantee

47. Extinction of Rights of Compensation

48. Compensation

49. Jurisdiction

50. Exception to Liability

Chapter Eight: Inspection and enforcement

51. Inspection

52. Enforcement

Chapter Nine: Offence, Penalty and Trial

53. Offence and Penalty

54. Trail

55. Information about the offence

56. Bail-ability and Non-Cognizability of the offence

57. Cognizance of offences for trial

58. Offence committed by a company

59. Appeal

60. Civil Remedy

Chapter Ten: Miscellaneous

61. Power of receiving loan

62. Recovery of Arrear

63. Annual Budget Statement

64. Audit and Account

65. Report

66. Cooperation and Agreement with National, International, Regional and Foreign Organization or agency, etc.

67. Laboratory and other technical services

68. Power to formulate rules

69. Power to formulate regulations

70. Publication of translated English text of the Act

71. Savings and repeal

INTERNATIONAL, MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

BILETERAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Bangladesh has bilateral agreements on nuclear cooperation with the Government of the USA, France and China. Recently, Bangladesh made a bilateral Cooperation Agreement with the Russian Federation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

REGIONAL AGREEMENT

Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) on 15 November 2006.