Nuclear Power & Rooppur Issues & Concerns || By Dr. Abdul Matin

Nuclear Power & Rooppur Issues & Concerns

IN my review (TDS, April 7, 2012) of Dr. Abdul Matin's book on Rooppur and the Power Crisis I had stated that books on technical matters are a rarity in the annals of Bangladeshi publications. Dr. Matin has taken another step to fill the void by publishing his second technical book on Nuclear Power & Rooppur.

This book is a collection of 21 Op-Ed pieces that Dr. Matin wrote in various English language dailies of Bangladesh on, as the title suggests, nuclear power and Rooppur.  However, this time he has added a section of 12 articles (Part 1of the book) to explain to the readers what nuclear power is.  This is an excellent primer on how a nuclear reactor works, types of nuclear reactors, biological effects of ionising radiations, reactor safety, nuclear waste management, nuclear accidents and lessons for Bangladesh, steps to be taken in starting a nuclear power programme etc.  This is a must read for administrators, academics, engineers etc. so as to understand the basic elements of a nuclear reactor programme and its ramifications.  It provides an excellent recap for nuclear professionals too.

In Part 2 of the book dealing with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project (21 Op-Ed pieces), Dr. Matin covers issues like why we need nuclear power in Bangladesh, history of the project, site selection, issues resulting from current Russian work for the project, regulatory work, public acceptance etc.  He virtually covers issues from A to Z on the first nuclear project of the country.

For example, he has stressed on the need for creating a separate organization for regulation by taking regulation out of BAEC's jurisdiction based on the well-established principle that the operator and regulator should not be the same organization.  It is heartening to note that the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) was formed in 2013.  

BAEC itself is a research organization ill-equipped to implement a nuclear power programme.   Dr. Matin has suggested for creating a separate Nuclear Power Corporation to deal with all aspects of nuclear power implementation in the country (except regulation).  This I understand is currently in the process of materialization.

BAEC had been mentioning an unrealistically low estimate of $ 1.5-2 billion for the 1,000 MWe reactor being considered as the first nuclear power station of the country.  In the interest of transparency and public awareness, Dr. Matin by quoting from different nuclear stations of similar size built around the world, pointed out that the realistic cost would be of the order of $ 5 billion.  It is good to note that the Government is seeking a loan of $ 10 billion for two 1,000 MWe plants at Rooppur.

It is hoped that the people in authority will go through Dr. A. Matin's latest book and take appropriate action in the interest of the country.

Dr. A. Matin writes in simple English and has a knack of making complex issues understandable to the layman. The book, published by Madhyama, runs into 131 pages with an attractive cover and top quality printing. It is highly recommended for students, teachers, researchers, policy makers, in fact, anyone dealing or trying to understand nuclear power.

The reviewer is a former IAEA official.