PRAGMATISM PREVAILS AS RNPP SURVIVES

It's reassuring to know that the much-debated Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), a $14 billion mega-project of the former Awami League government, has survived the scrutiny of the interim government.

- Farid Hossain

Along with two other mega projects (MRT-1 and Matarbari Port development), RNPP will get special treatment in the annual development program (ADP) being prepared for FY2026. Given the project's merit as a major source of clean and cheaper electricity, the interim government of Prof. Muhammad Yunus has decided to allocate its highest budgetary allocation of Tk 12,177 crore in the upcoming FY26. It is also getting special focus in the revised budget for the current FY25 with an increased allocation of TK 11,899 crore, news reports say, quoting officials involved in the process.

RNPP has two units split into 1,200 MW each. The first unit is expected to be operational by December this year, while the operation of the second unit is expected by December next year. Officials of the Bangladesh Power Development Board are already feeling upbeat and expectant as the formal opening of the first unit is just months away. They feel buoyed after Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told the Daily Star in a recent interview that over 80 percent of the plant had been completed. The test run of the plant is expected in September or October.