Putin Says Construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh Going on Schedule

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh is proceeding according to the schedule.

"The construction of the nuclear power plant is proceeding on schedule. Every day, more than 20,000 people are involved in the construction, most of whom, as we have already said, are Bangladeshi citizens," Putin said in a video conference during a ceremony marking the delivery of nuclear fuel to the facility's first unit.

Putin praised exceptional teamwork of Russian and Bangladeshi engineers, nuclear specialists, construction workers and other staff.

He also congratulated Bangladesh on the new stage of construction of its first nuclear power plant, saying that the flagship project meets both countries' interests, helps foster deeper bilateral cooperation and contributes to economic development and energy security.

"Bangladesh is our long-time friend and good partner, with whom we cooperate on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests," Putin added.

The president said that Russia is not just building the plant, but will assist its partners throughout the entire life cycle of the nuclear project, including commitments on the long-term supply of reactor fuel, technical maintenance and spent nuclear fuel management, adding that the nuclear power plant's physical protection systems are safe.

"All IAEA recommendations are being strictly followed in building the plant and preparing it for use. I think that [International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael] Grossi, who is participating in our ceremony, can testify that the physical protection system at Rooppur is reliable and modern. We would like to thank the IAEA for accompanying this work," Putin said.

Grossi said, at the same ceremony, that the IAEA welcomes the initiation of the civil nuclear program in Bangladesh, outlining that the country decided to take advantage of nuclear power, which, he said, had impressed all members of the international community.

The Rooppur nuclear power plant is the first nuclear facility in Bangladesh. It is being constructed with two Russian advanced VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts, 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Dhaka, the capital of the country. Similar pressurized water reactors were used at two power units of Russia's own Novovoronezh nuclear power plant in 2016. Bangladesh expects that the Rooppur NPP would start generating electricity by the end of 2024. According to the agreement, Russia will supply nuclear fuel for the entire lifetime of the plant.