To ensure an impartial technical and economic viability assessment of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project (RNPP), experts have recommend hiring an independent consultant, as the project is the first of its kind in the country. “As we do not have the experience to take any decision in this matter, on our own, we need to seek the help of an independent consultant, to work on our behalf. This will help all the stakeholders, in the decision-making process,” said Dr Abdul Matin, former chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).
The BAEC signed an agreement with NIAEP-ASE, to conduct a technical and economic feasibility study, an environment impact assessment (EIA), several site engineering surveys, and other pre-construction studies, for the proposed RNPP.
NIAEP is the management company for Atomstroyexport (ASE), a leading Russian engineering company under Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, which constructs nuclear power facilities abroad.
The ministry of science and technology has selected NIAEP-ASE as the supplier and builder of RNPP.
The government has awarded the $45.9-million pre-construction work to Atomstroyexport. The amount will be spent out of the $500-million loan advanced by Russia, for the project, in January.
Rosatom and NIAEP-ASE are now surveying the nuclear power project area, to conduct the feasibility study.
Dr Matin also said that three crucial things were needed to be addressed first—a project management team, a regulatory body, and an operating team.
“The three teams should comprise experienced engineers having thorough knowledge of atomic energy, or, at least, people experienced in a running power project,” he added.
Dr Ijaz Hossain of BUET said that feasibility studies were usually prepared by independent consultants, and that, in the case of a nuclear power project, the study should also include a safety assessment.
“Although it’s a state-to-state contract, roping in an independent consultant would be a better option to handle the project in the right manner,” he added.
Bangladesh could have asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for support, but the ministry concerned did not take any measure in this regard, an official said, preferring anonymity.
“There’s no one in the ministry to look into the matter,” he added.
-With The Independent input
