The Ministry of Science and Technology has taken a formal decision to approve the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) for the electricity generated by the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. This decision was recently communicated in an official letter to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, confirming NPCBL as the purchasing entity under the authority of the Power Development Board.

A ceremony marking this development was held on Friday, May 2, at the Rooppur site office, where officials gathered for a formal expression of gratitude. The event was attended by NPCBL Managing Director and Project Director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Dr. Md. Zahedul Hasan, who was present as the chief guest. Also in attendance were Chief Engineer Md. Hasmat Ali, PPS Chief S. M. Mahmud Arafat, along with managers, deputy managers, and other project officials.

In his address, Dr. Zahedul Hasan acknowledged that recent discussions surrounding the PPA for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant had generated some confusion. However, he stated that the Ministry of Science and Technology had made a prudent and well-considered decision to proceed with the agreement through NPCBL. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry for resolving the issue and ensuring that the process aligns with legal and operational mandates.

Dr. Hasan elaborated that NPCBL was established under the Nuclear Energy Act of 2015, which clearly states that all assets and responsibilities related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be transferred to NPCBL upon completion of the project. As the designated operating organization, NPCBL is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities including LNDC (Licensee Nuclear Duty Control) management, plant operations, maintenance, and the handling of radioactive waste. Therefore, it is both logical and consistent with the act that the power purchase agreement be executed with NPCBL.

Addressing the gathering, PPS Chief Mahmud Arafat called upon the NPCBL management to take a more robust and proactive role in executing its responsibilities. He emphasized that NPCBL must now act with strengthened authority and accountability to ensure the effective management and operational success of the nuclear power facility.

The decision to proceed with NPCBL as the primary contracting body for electricity procurement marks a significant step in the operational roadmap of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. With construction and commissioning phases progressing, this agreement will form the legal and financial basis for the sale and distribution of nuclear-generated electricity in Bangladesh, aligning with the country’s broader energy diversification goals.