A Nuclear Powered Bangladesh - Page 2

PoorFan · #26 September 12, 2007, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaad
... I have posted previously on this matter in an earlier thread. Note that earthquakes are indeed an issue. The Japanese government is looking into whether it should shutdown seven modern reactors like the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor that was responsible for the recent radioactive waste leak caused by the earthquake in July 2007.

I think your information on Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant is misleading a bit here. Allow me to explain few things so far I know and with my limited understanding.

Earthquake is an issue or not : Earthquake can damage a nuclear power plant, hence its an issue no doubt. Any kind of terror attack, disastrous mismanagement could be an issue too in the same way. The point here with Kashiwazaki power plant is earthquake, and as we all know Japan is a heaven of earthquake and experiencing major one time to time even before her history began. Yet Japan choose to build so many nuclear power plant for her own interest, and more importantly operating successfully so far without major accident or problem. Japan has enough technology, know how to deal with earthquake and nuclear power plant, hence in that sense not an issue as Sumon pointed out.

Considering shutdown Kasiwazaki : To me its totally a question mark, I mean so far there is nothing such local news I came to know yet. May be an bureaucrat type of comment at that moment ... 'possibility of shutdown is also in our sight' type of thing I guess.

So far they has suspended the operation of their 7 reactors, and now inspecting the damage and its effect. For example if you take a look at their press release ( the link bellow ) on 11th Sep. on reactors ventilation inspection, two crack found on No1 reactor ventilation only, and rest has no problem at all. There is a table on 2nd page of that PDF report you can check it on your own, and note that the reactor 6 and 7 is out of inspection since their ventilation was set up on roof of the reactor and no indication of damage was found in earlier inspection. Their conclusion of this inspection is, no indication of radioactive waste leak has found after inspecting the surface and the area of that crack ventilation.

Press release on 11th Sep. ... ( unfortunately in Japanese

)
Press release lists so far.

So far there is no proof has been found yet that suggest radioactive waste leak to outside area of the nuclear plant, which could damage public health. Though there are some minor damage that found in radiator system etc. inside the plant according to the local news and Kashiwazaki power plant press release. Also note their press release says they already fixed those minor damage, and I am sure after finishing their inspection, and the report to the authority of the government, they will be allowed to resume their operation pretty soon.

Quote:

Also keep in mind that we are a densely populated small riverine nation with considerable groundwater. If any radioactive waste finds its way into the water then it could spread quite easily. We would be hard put to contain it. Given such potential worst-case scenarios, don't you think the general public should be aware of the risks and have some say in the matter?

Well the experts, analysts and modern technology may find a better solution on this regard I guess. For example we can choose few hilly places that we have, such as Rangamathi, Sylhet or Mymenshing. Japan and Korea are repeatedly rejecting the idea of rejecting nuclear power plant, saying no alternative natural resource available for them. I think we are on the same boat if not now but in near future. First we need proper research and analysis on feasibility, positives and nagetives, cost effectiveness etc. on setup nuclear power plant, rest I hope expert foreign company from developed country will take care of implementation, management and security system, needless to say under supervision of IAEA.

**Nasif** · #27 September 12, 2007, 03:24 AM

Not sure if they are referring to Roopur power plant project. AFAIK this nuclear power plant project is in the "making" for last 45+ years! If it does take off now, it would certainly be great move towards energy crisis solution. I won't cross my finger though.

There is huge article on this at EnergyBangla.com:
http://www.energybangla.com/article_det.asp?aId=566

Quote:




	EB Report , published 29/6/2007


	By- Khondkar. A. Saleque Bangladesh is suffering from acute energy crisis. Years of mismanagement, poor governance, corruption has almost brought the energy sector on the brink of collapse. After 36 years of our independence earned through supreme sacrifice of 30 million valiant freedom fighters and innocent civilians only about 30% of our people have access to electricity and even then the quality of supply is poor. Our effective power generation from operating plants is about 3200MW against a suppressed a day demand of about 5000MW .This result in massive loading shedding. Trade, commerce and business suffer a great deal, people’s life and living becomes unbearable in the hot, humid summer days and water supply is seriously affected. Bangladesh possibly has the lowest per capita energy consumption in the world. It is not that we do not need it .It is because we failed to provide it to our people. The most corrupt country had the least per capita energy consumption. God saved us. The failed government which made the country safe heaven for corruption and organized crime could not materialize its planned election engineering to prolong its rule of mismanagement. A visionary Care Taker Government (CTG) took up the very difficult challenge of retrieving the situation from a point of no return. It has taken several initiatives to put things into order. But the filths and dirt of several years can not be swept clean in a short time. So the power sector did not see visible improvement. Yet CTG successfully managed to bring change in our shopping culture. All shops and businesses in evening peak hours remain closed in major cities saving substantial power, arrangements have been made to access surplus power of captive plants, weekly holidays days in different growth centers are being staggered. Massive disconnection drive against illegal and delinquent power users is also proving effective. But these load management apparently only trickles in the ocean. On the generation side efforts are on to keep the maximum numbers of plants running most of the time through closely monitored repairing and overhauling of ageing plants. Arrangements are underway to award some contracts for off grid small power plants as soon as possible to get some of these in operation at the earliest. Government has also instructed authority to vigorously monitor the implementation works of some large plants. The most encouraging development has been the IAEA green signal for Bangladesh to go ahead for nuclear power generation. Needles to mention that Bangladesh for almost four decades could not or did not take any meaningful initiative for Nuclear Power Generation. Our energy mix is heavily leaning on Natural Gas. Almost 90% of our generation is gas based, we have only one hydro plant and one coal plant, and there are few small diesel and furnace oil plant. With growing concern of our gas reserve running out in not too distant future and our miserable failure to exploit other resource coal we must now explore all possible alternatives. Bangladesh do not have a substantial hydro potential. Kaptai plant can have some expansion, Muhuri and Shangu micro hydro can be explored. Solar power and Wind mill will not come in a massive way, bio generation can also not provide base supply. Now there is a great concern that when our coal will be ready serious regulatory control may be imposed on coal plants for green house gas emissions. Considering all these nuclear plants in a decade’s time can be a probable option to meet our 2020 power for all vision. It may sound like day dreaming in a country which only set up a troubled 80 MW gas plant and a coal plant over the last 5 years. But those days of nightmares will possibly never come again. We can not only dream about entering nuclear age, we can actually make an aggressive plan to achieve that in 10-12 years. Let us make it one of our special national milestones and combine our national efforts to achieve it. It is encouraging that Energy Advisor included Nuclear Plant in his priority list. Some Bangladeshi Nuclear scientists abroad are in good position and have experience. Our friend Dr. Ataul Karim and few others through his connection can be of immense help. Technology can always be hired. But we must consider other issues seriously and make a comprehensive perspective plan for it. Getting regular supply of uranium, using the best technology, locating the plants in the most ideal place, strict environmental and regulatory control, disposal of radio active nuclear wastes are issues to ponder. Let us try to know the world situation of Nuclear power generation. Nuclear power supplies a sixth of the world’s electricity. Along with hydropower it is the major source of carbon free energy toady. The technology suffered growing pains, seared into peoples mind by the Chernobyl and ThreeMilesIsland accidents, but plants have demonstrated remarkable reliability recently. With growing worries about global warming and associated likelihood that greenhouse gas emission may be regulated in some fashion, more and more countries of the world are increasingly considering building a substantial number of additional nuclear power plants. The fossil –fuel alternative have their drawbacks. Natural Gas is attractive in a carbon –constrained world because it has lower carbon content relative to other fossil fuels and because of advanced power plants have low capital costs. But cost of the electricity produced is sensitive to natural gas prices, which has become much higher and more volatile in recent years. In contrast coal prices are relatively low and stable, but coal is the most carbon intensive source of electricity. The capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide , which will add significantly to the cost, must be demonstrated and introduced on a large scale if coal powered electricity is to expand significantly without emitting unacceptable quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. These concerns will limit future investments in gas or coal powered plants. The challenges of setting up nuclear power plant and their safe operation in a densely populated country must be carefully planned and meticulously implemented. It must go through vigorous risk assessment. The mitigation measures and contingency plans of action for emergency response must be meticulously worked out. Any Bangladeshi expert living anywhere of the world must be invited to provide opinion. A visionary team of appropriate technical knowledge, patriotism and commitment should be selected for an extensive training program and hands on training in under operation plant for taking up the task. This job is very important and their pay and benefit must be attractive. The persons operating our ageing power plants nevertheless deserves appreciation as they are successfully struggling with the plants which any other country would have been retired long time back. We should not hesitate to give this due recognition to our professionals operating power plants at Asuganj, Ghorashal and other places. Bangladesh may look squarely at Nuclear Power Generation for its sustained energy security in the long term.. Knowing the serious opposition of MR Stephen .Rudd , the Chief of Labor Party in Australia ( Tipped to be the next Prime Minster) and his debate with John Howard ,the author earlier thought that it will not be appropriate for Bangladesh to think about Nuclear. But after participating the website debate on the matter and getting very exciting opinion of many accomplished personnel it now appears that Nuclear can be a very bright option for Bangladesh after 2015.There are genuine risks involved in ignoring Nuclear Power altogether. Australia is having great pains due to serious impact of global warming emanating from Greenhouse Gas emission. The coal fired power generation and impact of automobile exhausts causing extreme climatic disasters. It is either massive draught or sudden flash floods. Every year bush fire is also causing havoc. Australia has huge uranium deposit also. Prime Minister John Howard wants Australia to aggressively approach Nuclear Power Generation. But Stephen Rudd and Labor Party is vehemently opposing it. They want to develop clean coal technology as the alternative to overcome the present situation. Our demand may grow over 50% in the next 15years. Meeting this demand will, on average require bringing about 500 MW of generation online every year until 2020. However , we may need to augment capacity to 8000 MW by 2010 if we are to set ourselves back on track for 20020 power for all vision .Which means from 2008 for some years we need additional generation of 1000 MW for a couple of years. Achieving this capacity with only renewable will test our resource and will not guarantee sustainability. We do not have huge prospect of solar and wind energy also. Power generation from fossil fuel like coal will increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions at a time when the World Community is focused on reducing these. Long term CO2 sequestration will increase cost of Fossil Fuel based power plant and now it appears will be more difficult than geologic disposal of Nuclear Waste. On the other hand if the next generation of nuclear plants lives up to the promises of the Industry, Nuclear Power will be the cheapest form of new electricity production. These will be cheaper than the present non –sequestrated, coal fired base- load generators. Now let us see what rest of the world is doing? It is quite possible to utilize Nuclear Power, which emits almost no greenhouse gases, to provide our entire need for electricity. The French Nuclear power program is the example for this. In France 77% of National demand is met from nuclear power and remaining is Hydroelectricity. France generates surplus electricity and exports to neighboring countries at a profit. Almost all Third world countries (and certainly China and India) intend to raise their standard of living to Western levels. It has been estimated that if China’s economic growth continues as it has for the last 25 years, it will attain per capita income comparable to Australia‘s current level by 2040. India will attain by 2060.Both these countries have population of about 1 billion and such developments will more than double the world demand of energy. China and India have become desperate to develop their own reserve resource of basic energy. They are also aggressively venturing to secure energy assets abroad. On top of it China has identified Nuclear power as an important component of its future energy mix. India has long-term plans to develop a fully indigenous nuclear program to meet its own vast energy needs. The current electrical energy consumption of the entire planet is about 1517 GW of continuous power. There are 447 active nuclear plants with a capacity of 356 GW. Greenhouse Gas Emission: Nuclear Power Plants emit less than one hundredth the Greenhouse Gases of Coal or Gas fired power stations. If the Nuclear Power Industry lives up to its promises for modern, 3^rd generation plants, the total liveliest cost of Nuclear Power including construction, operational, waste disposal and decommissioning costs is in the range 3-5 cents per Kilo Watt- Hour depending on the interest rate obtained for construction. Nuclear Power plants can pay back the energy required to build them in less than 2 months of operation. Current world proven reserves of Uranium are sufficient to supply current demand for 50 years. Speculative reserves provide an additional 150 years of supply. The cost of Uranium ore is a very small fraction of the operating cost of Nuclear Power. Fourth Generation Nuclear Plants can fully utilize all energy in Natural Uranium. There is sufficient Uranium and Thorium on Earth for Fourth Generation reactors to supply the total world demand for energy for hundreds of centuries. Cost of Nuclear Power: The cost of generating power via nuclear energy can be separated into following components: ·The construction cost of building the plant ·The operating cost of running the plant and generating energy. ·The cost of waste disposal from the plant. ·The cost of decommissioning the plant. Accurately quantifying some of these costs is difficult as it requires an extrapolation into the future. Construction Costs: Construction costs are extremely difficult but it dominates the cost of Nuclear Power. The third generation power plants now proposed are claimed to be both substantially cheaper and faster to construct than the second generation plants now in operation through out the world. Nuclear Industry has taken lesson from Economy of volume demonstrated by French Nuclear Program, Westinghouse claims its Advanced PWR reactor, the AP 1000, will cost US$ 1400 per KW for the first reactor and fall to US$ 1000 per KW for subsequent reactors. They also claim these will be ready for electricity generation 3years after pouring of concrete. The General Electric ABWR was the first third generation power plant approved. The first two were commissioned in Japan in 1996 and 1997. The works took 3 years to construct and were completed within budget. Their construction costs were around $ 2000 per KW. If the AP1000 lives up to its promises of $ 1000 per KW construction cost and 3 year construction time, it will provide cheaper electricity than any other Fossil Fuel based generating facility. Operating Costs: These costs are much easier to quantify and are independently verified as they relate directly to the profitability of the utilities which operate them. Companies which operate the USA’s nuclear plants have made excellent profits over the last five years. The US Nuclear power industry has lived up to its promise made in 1970’s to [produce electricity reliably and cheaply. Since 1987 the cost of producing electricity has decreased from 3.63 cents per KW –Hr to 1.68 cents per KW-Hour in 2004 and plant availability has increased from 67% to over 90%.The operating cost includes a charge of 0.2 cents per KW-Hr to fund eventual disposal of waste from reactor and for decommissioning the reactor. The price of Uranium ore contributes approximately 0.05 cents per KW-Hr. Management of Nuclear Plant Operations: U.S. A and French experience evidence that proactive Industry organizations are vital in obtaining efficient plant utilization and in minimizing running costs. US industry suffered initially due to little pooling of knowledge amongst Nuclear Power operators. This was caused by a combination of industry inexperience, the lack of standardized design and fragmentation of the industry while in case Of France it was uniform design and the single state-owned organization, which allowed knowledge sharing. The Challenges of Nuclear Power: Nuclear power plants generate large quantities of highly radioactive material. This is due to the left over isotopes (atoms) from splitting of the atom and creation of heavier atoms, like plutonium, which the Nuclear power plant does not utilize. This is nuclear waste. The actual quantity of waste output is some 1000,000 times less than a Fossil Fuel plant but it is much more radio active. Human beings are exposed to low level of radio activity constantly from naturally occurring radioactive isotopes and cosmic rays from outer space. However, in large doses, radiation has many harmful effects. Therefore it is necessary for the Nuclear plant to in built many safety mechanisms in order to keep people safe. This includes the workers as well as people living around the plant. It is also necessary for independent parties to monitor Nuclear Plants. This ensures that plants adhere to world safety standards and to make sure that none of the waste plutonium is diverted to use in nuclear weapons. The IAEA has developed program to detect such activity. Nuclear plants in France, Sweden, Canada and Finland have shown that it is possible to safely generate electricity from nuclear power. But other nuclear plants as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl had disastrous accidents. The Three Mile Island accident, which destroyed the economic value of the plant, was caused by design flaws and poor operator design and fragmentation of the industry monitoring. Nevertheless most of the radioactivity was contained at the site. The Chernobyl accident was caused by numerous inherent design flaws, poor operator monitoring and a total disregard to safety. Another major challenge is with highly radioactive and long lived nuclear waste. It is essential to isolate the waste from human and environment for about 100,000 years before it decays to safe level. The consensus is that radioactive wastes should be isolated by multiple barriers and placed deep underground. However, other strategies of waste transmutation are being investigated. Bangladesh Perspective: Now Bangladesh government has to take a decision. A small Nuclear plant will not be cost effective. We have to learn the lesson from French experience. The original site acquired for a plant in Roopur, Pabna now needs to be reassessed for its suitability after almost 45 years. Nuclear plant usually needs more water than fossil fuel based plants. Padma in Pabna is no longer young as it was in pre liberation time. We may target for 4000- 5000 MW generation in phases. The initial target may be to generate about 1000 MW by 2015. We must make ourselves ready for it in all respect between now and then to utilize the Nuclear power. We have already signed Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. So our plan to generate nuclear power for use may not trigger politics. We have good relation with EU countries. So France, Germany and UK should provide technical and financial support. Our known reserve of Gas may not last long. Coal also can not be used too much for power generation for GHG emission. Remember Bangladesh is already in great danger for global warming. So if we can plan and implement a nuclear power scheme with deep thoughts it will be a way to ensure our long term energy security. But several issues need to be carefully considered. ·We have to take advantage of economies of scale and deploy a significant numbers of reactors. so that costs of fuel enrichment and waste disposal can be shared. ·A Bangladeshi Nuclear Industry must be pro-active in engaging with World Community and employ World Best Practice levels of Safety and operation. ·Must have an independent and pro-active regulatory framework to oversee the operations of a Nuclear Industry. ·The activities of regulators and Industry must be open to the public and be fully transparent. ·Must invest in research to find and build a suitable site for geologic disposal of waste. ·Must find appropriate means of transporting the waste to the site. Good luck to Energy advisor’s initiative for Nuclear Power Generation option for my country of origin Bangladesh. We may not see it happen in our life time. But it will be nice to see the beginning of actions so that our future generation can have assured energy security.

PoorFan · #28 September 12, 2007, 04:54 AM

Nice find Nasif, thanks for shearing.

Cricket Crazy · #29 September 12, 2007, 05:12 AM

dunno wat 2 say..

shaad · #30 September 12, 2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoorFan
I think your information on Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant is misleading a bit here. Allow me to explain few things so far I know and with my limited understanding.

Poorfan, thank you for the comments and the links to articles.

Quote:

Earthquake is an issue or not : Earthquake can damage a nuclear power plant, hence its an issue no doubt. Any kind of terror attack, disastrous mismanagement could be an issue too in the same way. The point here with Kashiwazaki power plant is earthquake, and as we all know Japan is a heaven of earthquake and experiencing major one time to time even before her history began. Yet Japan choose to build so many nuclear power plant for her own interest, and more importantly operating successfully so far without major accident or problem. Japan has enough technology, know how to deal with earthquake and nuclear power plant, hence in that sense not an issue as Sumon pointed out.

And my point is that despite all this, there were radioactive leaks, apparently more so than were originally reported (see this BBC report).

Now, I trust the IAEA's report that there was no "significant" damage to the reactors. I have far less faith in TEPCO's (the company that owns the plant) press releases that you cite, given that they have had a scandal-ridden history of falsifying reports and concealing safety incidents at their nuclear plants. e.g. an unexpected criticality event in 1978. The fact remains, though, that there was a leak of radioactive materials, and it might also partly have been a consequence of human error. Granted, this was a small leak; but all you need is one big leak for hell to break loose everywhere.

And it's not just earthquakes, or this particular plant. See, for instance, this recent leak from a light water reactor in Fukui prefecture, or the recent shutdown of three reactors in Tokaimura, Ibaraki prefecture on safety worries, as well as a number of minor accidents over the past few years.

Now, this is in Japan, where one expects to see a considerable degree of professionalism. And yet, such incidents occur there, not to mention the cover-ups. Are we totally confident that such incidents will not occur in Bangladesh, where we often see shortcuts taken, improper reporting, etc.?

Look, I am quite aware of our power issues in Bangladesh. And nuclear power might well be the solution (though I think we should also look at distributed power sources in addition to major power plants), but in the rush to implement it, I don't think we should skimp on considering possible worst-case scenarios. So far, most of the articles and comments both on this thread and on our news media have been rather complimentary and supportive; I would like to see a more hard-headed analysis focusing more on potential problems, evacuation scenarios, surveys during construction and operation, procedures for hiring, training, and evaluation of operators, etc.

Pundit · #31 September 12, 2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ganguly da
this is good news, hopefully it will be well guarded from religious fanatics and overzealous military generals.

....and aggressive foreign powers, right?

But you have hit upon an important point nevertheless...considering the security needs and maintenance discipline required, who else to guard it but the military..under meaningful civilian authority.

al Furqaan · #32 September 12, 2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pundit
....and aggressive foreign powers, right?

now who on earth could that be?

beshi ponditi kortesen akhon...

PoorFan · #33 September 13, 2007, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaad
Now, this is in Japan, where one expects to see a considerable degree of professionalism. And yet, such incidents occur there, not to mention the cover-ups. Are we totally confident that such incidents will not occur in Bangladesh, where we often see shortcuts taken, improper reporting, etc.?

Thanks Shaad for those links, and you are right on the point of false report and press release from nuclear industry of Japan, as well as their previous accident and mismanagement. These facts should be taken with serious concern and has to be improved, be it in Japan or anywhere else, and I agree with.

However other facts remain tall that their nuclear power plants are operating successfully so far without major accident or problem for decades. No damage to public health or environment ( out side the plant ) has been identified yet from any corner of media or organization, caused by power plant mishap or radioactive waste leak. Certainly there are different phase and level of radiator system ( cooling down process ), and all those minor waste leak are extremely low level of radiation, which from different angle indicate that high level of radioactive wastes are well controlled and protected in a land of earthquake for last 40 years. This distinguish achievement should be called as successful operation IMO.

Now in Bangladesh case, BD is far safer place than Japan in case of earthquake, and cant deny your concern at all, in fact I have the same concern too. There is no way a country can design, setup, manage and provide due security of a nuclear power plant with almost ZERO knowledge and experience like Bangladesh. Hence and obviously I said ... "I hope expert foreign company from developed country will take care of implementation, management and security system, needless to say under supervision of IAEA." Add to that, perhaps it may take another decade ( after a nuclear power plant built ) even if we intend to take full control of management and security.

Quote:

Shaad
... So far, most of the articles and comments both on this thread and on our news media have been rather complimentary and supportive; I would like to see a more hard-headed analysis focusing more on potential problems, evacuation scenarios, surveys during construction and operation, procedures for hiring, training, and evaluation of operators, etc.

I think we both agreed on the necessity of more expert research and analysis from various angle, but then again at the same time need political stand and support to move on towards the target, gain technical and political support from foreign expert ( foreign nuclear industry ) and authority ( IAEA, foreign govt, doners ), which also seems pre conditional step even to start a deep down research and analysis I guess, given that our lack of know-how, expert, experience and finance. And I think current govt. is doing exactly what is needed to kick off the issue, the phase of implementation of a nuclear power plant is far ahead from now.

Let see how the things move forward.

Sumon77 · #34 September 13, 2007, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaad
So far, most of the articles and comments both on this thread and on our news media have been rather complimentary and supportive; I would like to see a more hard-headed analysis focusing more on potential problems, evacuation scenarios, surveys during construction and operation, procedures for hiring, training, and evaluation of operators, etc.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commision (BAEC) has one reserach nuclear reactor of 3 MW in Savar.
http://www.uic.com.au/nip02.htm
Also the Ruppur Project was taken by BAEC in 60s. AFAIK, only BAEC has people with technical know how about reactors. But if we really try to establish a power plant, there will be obviously a big project with expert foreign partners (like Russia), alos IAEA will supervise closely, I guess. The safety isnt a state issue rather a global issue and since ours is not any secret, we can do it together with a number of expert organizations. For long term, ofcourse we have to maintain by ourselves, but we can gain that expertise through tranining and working together.

Alien · #35 September 13, 2007, 10:06 AM

If country as screwed up as Pakistan can make bombs without objection I don't see why we can't even have nuclear power for civilian use.

Shaiful · #36 September 14, 2007, 01:22 AM

Are there any realistic chance of nucler bomb for bangladesh?

PoorFan · #37 September 14, 2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaiful
Are there any realistic chance of nucler bomb for bangladesh?

What for? to eat or wear??

Puck · #38 September 14, 2007, 05:55 AM

a defence strategy based on nuclear weapons can have two effects. it would offer grounds for reducing the size of the army. i am all for that.

however, the second effect could be one of further military despotism.

in all the gossip about corrupt politicians we seem to forget than bangladesh also had two corrupt military dictators. there had always been as much misappropriation of privileges by civilian politicians and officials as there had been by army officers. the only difference is that the former could be arrested and tried, the latter, swept under the carpet and totally unaccountable.

the above isn't a specific dig at the present CTG or its military backers.

if there are no effective renewable alternatives then nuclear power would be the only option. the load shedding can cause havoc in parts of the country. however, those living in purano dhaka and not so prestigious neighbourhoods seem to suffer more than business, political and military elite living in gulshal and baridhara. perhaps there should be greater democratisation in the process of loadshedding? as a nation we could also look at changing our working practises.

Sumon77 · #39 September 14, 2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puck
a defence strategy based on nuclear weapons can have two effects. it would offer grounds for reducing the size of the army. i am all for that.

however, the second effect could be one of further military despotism.

in all the gossip about corrupt politicians we seem to forget than bangladesh also had two corrupt military dictators. there had always been as much misappropriation of privileges by civilian politicians and officials as there had been by army officers. the only difference is that the former could be arrested and tried, the latter, swept under the carpet and totally unaccountable.

the above isn't a specific dig at the present CTG or its military backers.

if there are no effective renewable alternatives then nuclear power would be the only option. the load shedding can cause havoc in parts of the country. however, those living in purano dhaka and not so prestigious neighbourhoods seem to suffer more than business, political and military elite living in gulshal and baridhara. perhaps there should be greater democratisation in the process of loadshedding? as a nation we could also look at changing our working practises.

Puck, Bangladesh isnt going for nuclear weapon, we already signed a treaty for peacefull use of nuclear power. The renewable alternatives (solar, wind, biogas) cant make up our huge demand. We need high capacity plants using gas, coal or hydro, but all these dont seem to be in avavailable that much considering long term future. A large capacity nuclear plant can definitely overcome the power shortage though maintanance is a concern.

shujan · #40 September 14, 2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydney
Funny how the report did not forget to mention that by 2011 the whole BD could go in a total blackout!!

What do you expect from an indian report, had to had a pinch somewhere.

Heck! All Bangladesh is already in blackout. Specially in summer hot season. Electricity is more scarce then our Test win!

Rahik · #41 September 17, 2007, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shujan
Heck! All Bangladesh is already in blackout. Specially in summer hot season. Electricity is more scarce then our Test win!

I returned from Bangladesh not but a month or so ago and although the situation with the electricity is bad, it is not as bad as being "scarce". Dhaka city have electricity nearly 24/7, although some blackouts do ocurr. Blackout is mainly an issue in the rural cities and villages and can last anything between five minutes to an hour; in some cases up to five hours or more. The blackouts are daily and ocurr on set times and are a nuisance more than a hindrance.

I heard that a new plant was to be added to the grid although when is uncertain. Perhaps in time for the next visit.

*reverse_swing* · #42 September 21, 2007, 01:10 PM

Here is one good news related to our power sector.

Load shedding drops to 200MW from 1200MW>>

Mohiul · #43 September 24, 2007, 07:29 AM

BD targeted 2015 to have neuclear generated electricity supply

BANFAN · #44 February 12, 2009, 02:15 PM

Does any one think that BD will ever have Neuclear Power Plant ?? Is it some time soon? The Rooppur power plant was planned before all BC members birth and still it is being talked about. Just saw in ittefaq that Russia will help to establish a 1000 MW plant in 5 years. Can that be a reality?

Would like to believe but, it's hard to believe after so many years of fake assurances by all the governments.

ITTEFAQ

Tigers_eye · #45 February 12, 2009, 03:34 PM

Why not Hydro powerplant?

Can serve many purposes. Help us defuse the effect of floods (save lives), supply of water in summer (save crops - feed people), finally electricity for monorails, industries, city folks around big cities.

Fazal · #46 February 12, 2009, 05:01 PM

The words "Russia" and "Nulear" and "Power Plan" and "5 years" all togather sounds like recipe for disaster.

**Nasif** · #47 February 12, 2009, 07:48 PM

Every now and then this project surfaces! That has been the story for ages. Check post 27.
Search this site for more stuff: http://www.energybangla.com/

BANFAN · #48 February 13, 2009, 01:11 AM

Thanks Nasif, for merging and reffering to this thread & energy bangla report. Missed it before some how.
It looks to be an initiative of the CTG. Will the corrupt politicians pursue it effectively. Or will they look for the amount of cickbacks, to determine feasibility? Hope they can keep it out of politics and once atleast think of the national importance. Even an initial 1000 MW won't be that bad.

Zeeshan · #49 February 13, 2009, 01:14 AM

Bangladesh:Nuclear Powerplant::toddler:ak-47

FagunerAgun · #50 February 13, 2009, 10:38 AM

Any emerging country needs two things first for its continuous development: Power and infrastructure. Bangladesh badly needs both for its growth with a sky is the limit.

One of the reasons why Iran is so advanced in the ME is because of her more and more dependent on nuclear power.

Bangladesh has 6 billion dollars in reserve which is increasing, with a positive trade account balance with the World Bank while India, Pakistan and Srilanka have negative balances.

Bangladesh is the least hit country in the world during the global depression.

The establishment cost of 1 MW nuke electricity was $1000, now $550.

Nuke electricity is cheaper with less maintenance expense and environmentally better than coal power.

Bangladesh has the approval of IAEA and assurance of cooperation of big nuclear countries like Russia, India and China.

Bangladesh has more than what its needs to meet its power requirment.

Now, not having that is pure incompetence and stupidity of the present government.