Bangladesh Explores First SMR Plant

Bangladesh has begun exploring the feasibility of deploying small modular reactor technology alongside its large-scale Rooppur nuclear power project. As part of the initiative, a team of experts from China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) recently inspected a potential site in the char areas of Madarganj in Jamalpur after the Bangladesh Power Development Board showed the Chinese side four possible locations.

The development was reported on October 2, Friday, based on comments from BPDB Chairman Engineer Md. Rezaul Karim. He said four separate locations had been shown to the Chinese side for potential modular reactor power plants and that the Chinese team had visited Madarganj the previous week. The team is also expected to visit Rangabali in Patuakhali for another feasibility assessment.

BPDB has already signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with CEEC for cooperation on the proposed nuclear modular power project. According to Rezaul Karim, Bangladesh plans to establish modular nuclear power plants at different locations with a combined capacity of 200 MW to 300 MW.

What is an SMR?

A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is an advanced nuclear reactor designed for relatively smaller-scale electricity generation. The International Atomic Energy Agency generally defines SMRs as advanced reactors with an electrical capacity of up to 300 MW per unit. Their components and systems can be manufactured in factories and transported as modules to installation sites.

The modular approach can allow components to be manufactured under controlled factory conditions and assembled at the site. It is being explored internationally as an option for flexible power generation and for electricity systems where adding capacity incrementally may be advantageous.

For Bangladesh, the proposed initiative remains at the feasibility and planning stage. Any final project would require detailed assessment of site suitability, reactor technology, nuclear safety, environmental impact, economics, grid integration and regulatory requirements.

Science Ministry support planned

Rezaul Karim said further steps would be taken with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology after the necessary technical and geographical assessments are completed.

“If everything is settled,” Bangladesh would move toward implementing small- and medium-sized modular power plants with support from the ministry, he said.

The initiative indicates that Bangladesh is examining nuclear generation options beyond the large-scale Rooppur project. It also reflects growing interest in smaller reactor technologies as the country seeks additional sources of reliable electricity.

Rooppur progress remains unclear

Meanwhile, the BPDB chairman has expressed uncertainty over the current progress and commissioning timeline of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant at Rooppur.

According to Rezaul Karim, BPDB does not yet have a clear picture of the progress of either Unit 1 or Unit 2.

Discussions have begun on a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for electricity generated by the Rooppur plant. However, the final electricity tariff has not yet been determined, he said.

Earlier in 2026, BPDB projected a provisional tariff of Tk 6.72 per kilowatt-hour for Rooppur electricity. The figure was based on assumptions because the board had not received complete project financial and operating-cost information.

A new nuclear pathway

The SMR initiative could add a new dimension to Bangladesh’s nuclear energy programme, which is currently centred on the 2,400 MW Rooppur project. However, the Madarganj inspection and the non-binding MoU should not be interpreted as final project approval or the start of construction.

A final decision on any SMR project would depend on detailed technical, economic, environmental and nuclear-safety assessments, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals.

//DBTech/BNNL/MNO/BPC//