A Discussion On The Suitability Of Natural Clay For Radioactive Waste Disposal In Bangladesh

Radioactive waste disposal and management in Bangladesh

- By Md. Moniruzzaman Sumon, PhD

Bangladesh is constructing its first commercial nuclear power installation (24VVER-1200) at Rooppur, Pabna, which is expected to operate fully by 2026. The national plan also includes a second nuclear plant, contributing to at least 10% of total electricity from nuclear sources by 2040. Radioactive waste management is therefore becoming increasingly important. While there is a general agreement that spent fuel from RNPP will be shipped back to the Russian Federation under intergovernmental agreements, Bangladesh must still independently manage LILW, i.e., disused sealed radiation sources (DSRS), waste generated from the 3 MW TRIGA Mark-II research reactor, and medical, industrial, and research radioactive waste streams. Bangladesh recently approved national policies assigning BAEC responsibility for developing RW management strategies and technical capacities. The selection of a suitable geologic medium, particularly for near-surface disposal structures, is therefore an essential research priority.