Nuclear Reactor Safety & Rooppur

Nuclear Reactor Safety & Rooppur

Abdul Matin

Although safety, safeguards and security are normally synonymous, nuclear safety, nuclear safeguards and nuclear security are used in completely different contexts in the nuclear industry. Because of the obvious similarity, many people, including policy makers, civil servants and journalists, often use the terms inappropriately.

Nuclear safety prevents or limits the release of harmful nuclear radiations from any nuclear facility into the atmosphere in normal or accidental conditions in order to protect the workers, the public and also the environment. The objective of nuclear safeguards is to deter the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The IAEA is mandated by the UN Security Council to implement nuclear safeguards to ensure that no nuclear material or any facility is used for military purposes. Nuclear security implies the physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials to prevent any willful damage or theft by any person or groups including terrorist organizations.

Nuclear safety had been the central issue of nuclear reactor design since the inception of nuclear power. The initial safety concepts were centered on the protection of the reactor workers from the harmful effects of nuclear radiation and the containment of any radioactivity, released accidentally from the reactor. In nuclear reactor safety, a defense in depth approach has been adopted as a standard method to ensure safety. The concept is applied in practice through the following procedures:

(i) Prevention of failures and accidents through conservative design and high level of quality control in manufacture, construction, erection and operational procedures;

(ii) Limiting the effects of failures through early detection and appropriate protective measures;

(iii) Application of engineered safety features for limiting accidents within design basis;

(iv) Controlling the plant under severe accident condition and mitigation of the consequences;

(v) Mitigation of consequences of significant releases of radioactive materials through off-site emergency response.

The design concept incorporates two main safety features, namely (i) the prevention of any loss of coolant accidents and (ii) use of multiple barriers to prevent the leakage of radioactive materials from the core.

A nuclear reactor generates substantial heat even after shutdown due to a high level of radioactivity inside the core. All power reactors are provided with normal and emergency core cooling systems to remove this heat, known as residual heat, after the rectors are shut down. Normally storage batteries and emergency diesel generators are used to supply power to the emergency core cooling systems in absence of any external power supply. The generation-III reactors incorporate passive safety systems that come into operation without the requirement of any action by the operator. The driving force for the core cooling system is provided by gravity, temperature difference (convection flow) and gas accumulators. All these features make these reactors safer than generation-II reactors.

A nuclear reactor incorporates multiple barriers to prevent the release of radioactivity into the atmosphere. The first barrier is the ceramic fuel pellet where nuclear fissions take place and energy is released. The pellet retains most of the fission products, the main source of radioactivity. The second barrier is a sealed metal tube called the cladding that contains the fuel pellets. The cladding retains any gaseous radioactive material that may leak out of the fuel pellets. The third barrier is the closed primary cooling system in a PWR that circulates through the core and carries the heat to the steam generator. The closed cooling system will contain any radioactivity that may leak out of the cladding. The last barrier is the containment building designed to hold any radioactivity that may leak out of the primary cooling system through any accidental rupture. It is a thick (about a meter) dome like concrete structure that is built surrounding a nuclear reactor. It is usually designed to withstand the impact of a fully loaded wide-bodied jet plane. The pressure inside the containment building is maintained below the atmospheric pressure so that no radioactivity can leak out of the building. It is possible to build an additional steel containment close to the inner surface of the concrete containment to provide additional tensile strength. In the case of any serious accident involving any release of radioactivity into the atmosphere, emergency measures are taken to relocate residents from the affected areas to a safe zone to avoid any exposure of radiation to the public above permissible limits.

The radioactivity both inside and outside the reactor building is constantly monitored to ensure that the radiation levels are kept within safe limits. The health of each plant operator is kept under surveillance so that no worker receives any radiation dose above permissible limits.

The design, construction and operation of nuclear reactors are regulated by an independent nuclear regulatory authority. It monitors all nuclear facilities including reactors through all phases of design, construction and operation in order to ensure adherence to a set of safety regulations for the protection of the plant operators, the public and the environment.

The construction of a nuclear plant cannot start without a construction permit issued by the regulatory body after thorough evaluation and approval of the preliminary safety analysis report prepared by the plant owner. Similarly, the fuel loading of the reactor takes place only after evaluation and approval of the final safety analysis report. All reactor operators are licensed by the regulatory authority after rigorous written, oral and simulator tests. They are periodically examined for renewal of their licenses. For enforcement of nuclear safety, national safety standards and codes are followed. If national safety standards and codes are not available or not adequate, the IAEA or US NRC safety standards and codes may be followed..

It should be emphasized that nuclear safety does not depend only on engineered safety systems. Strict quality control in construction, operation and maintenance of nuclear reactors, handling, storage and transportation of nuclear materials and enforcement of nuclear regulations play very important roles in nuclear safety.

To ensure the safety of the proposed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, we need to perform several essential tasks. First, we should build the safest reactor available. If we buy from the Russians, our best choice would be two VVER-1200 reactors, preferably with European safety, instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. Second, we should develop a team of highly qualified and trained engineers, some with previous experience of construction and operation of nuclear/conventional power plants, to manage and man the construction management organization, the nuclear regulatory authority and the operation and maintenance (O&M) organization- strictly following the IAEA guidebook on Manpower Development for Nuclear Power (Technical Reports Series No. 200). Third, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) must be allowed to work independently and be accountable to a special parliamentary committee. Fourth, we should form a separate nuclear power corporation (NPC) to own, build and operate nuclear power plants. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission should act as a think-tank and provide technical support to the nuclear power corporation (NPC) and BAERA, as and when necessary.

Abdul Matin;Former Chief EngineerBangladesh Atomic Energy Commission &Author of Rooppur & The Power Crisis.

Nuclear Power Plants: Safety First

Nuclear Power Plants: Safety FirstDr. Eunuse Akon

The major stages during the life time of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) are: siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and de-commissioning. The safety of a Nuclear Power Plant depends upon a number of factors- intrinsic and external to the plant. Proposed site shall be adequately investigated with regard to all the site characteristics that could be significant to safety in natural and human induced external events. An important stage for the development of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is the selection of a suitable site by studying various site characteristics to establish the site-related design inputs for the plant. Safety of a NPP is very much dependent on the characterization of the site which include geological, seismological, geotechnical, engineering, hydrological, meteorological and other relevant aspects. The methodology of site evaluation consists of systematically collecting all the relevant information on each particular characteristic of the site. It is necessary first to study each aspect in general for the whole region, then in detail for the site vicinity and the site itself. There are different national, international and IAEA standards which are applicable for siting. The responsible organization needs to have sufficient competence and expertise to direct the investigations complying the applicable standards especially in the areas of: Geology(expertise in tectonics of the quaternary), seismology, soil mechanics, flooding, hydrology(expertise in evaluation of extreme events and in dispersion in water) meteorology(expertise in evaluation of extreme events and in dispersion in air), emergency planning, radiological protection, nuclear safety, environmental and ecological effects. Like any other facilities, nuclear power plants are also designed to withstand the loading effects due to hazards from external events. The magnitude of such loads for design of NPP is termed as design basis which is derived based on more stringent criteria compared to other conventional facilities. Siting is the process of selecting a suitable site including appropriate assessment and derivation of the related design bases. Siting process involves two basic stages site survey and site evaluation Activities during site survey stage are identification of prospective locations, collection of information/data related to factors affecting site selection. Site evaluation involves demonstration of acceptability of the site using the related information/data and satisfying established criteria for selection of NPP sites.

The aim of this article is to present the requirements and characteristics for the nuclear power plant site selection. Safety of the plant personnel, public and the environment from radiological hazard is the most important consideration for siting of nuclear power plants. Escape of radioactive material largely depends on site characteristics .The design and operation of nuclear power plants aims to diminish the likelihood of accidents, and avoid major human consequences when they occur. Siting factors and criteria are important in assuring that radiological doses from normal operation and postulated accidents will be acceptably low. The site characteristics investigation is mandatory for obtaining license from the nuclear regulatory body for siting and construction of NPP.

Physical Characteristics of NPP SitePhysical characteristics such as geological, hydrogeological, seismological, geotechnical (engineering) and meteorological data of the site have a bearing on the consequences of an escape of radioactive material from the facility. These site characteristics must be investigated in sufficient scope and detail to provide adequate information to support evaluations to arrive at estimates of the effects of surface faulting, effects of vibratory ground motion that may affect the design and operation of the proposed nuclear power plant; and adequate basis for selection of an Operating Basis Earthquake (OBE) and Safe Shutdown Earthquake (SSE); and to permit adequate engineering solutions to actual or potential geologic and seismic effects at the proposed site; providing reasonable assurance that a nuclear power plant can be constructed and operated at a proposed site without undue risk to the health and safety of the plant personnel and public. If vibratory ground motion exceeding that of the Operating Basis Earthquake occurs, shutdown of the nuclear power plant will be required.

The characteristics of the site need to be investigated are: regional geology and site geology, physiography, topographic features, site foundation materials, geologic history & stratigraphy, structural geology & tectonic settings comprising folds, faults ( any part of which is within 400 Kms of the site and which may be of significance in establishing the Safe Shutdown Earthquake, determination of whether these faults are to be considered as capable faults), relationship of the fault to regional tectonic structures; fault geometry and slip rates, surface faulting concerning the nature, amount, and geologic history of displacements along the fault, particularly the estimated amount of the maximum Quaternary displacement related to any one earthquake along the fault; non-tectonic deformation, lineaments, earthquake recurrence rates, maximum magnitude, correlation of epicentres or locations of highest intensity of historically reported earthquakes with capable faults greater than 1000 feet long, any part of which is located within 5 miles of the site; maximum earthquake potential, liquefaction potential, vibratory ground motion, peak ground motion, ground motion attenuation; the size of seismically induced floods and water waves that could affect a site from either locally or distantly generated seismic activity; potential for slope instability such as land and rock slides that could affect the safety of the plant. Investigations on engineering (geotechnical) properties should include: drilling and sampling of bore-holes CPT soundings, SPT blow count values, static and dynamic soil properties of the site, compressibility and strength characteristics, soil gradation, plasticity, consistency, moisture condition, dry density, P and S wave suspension logging tests, shear modulus, material damping ratio with shearing strain amplitude in order to determine the response of the site to the SSE ground motion, expected maximum seismically induced shearing stresses, resonant column and torsional shear tests, extent of liquefiable (non-cohesive) materials and methods for ground improvement (excavation, back filling & others).

The safety of the plant depends among others on seismic ground motion. The various uncertainties and randomness associated with the occurrence of earthquakes and the consequences of their effects on the NPP components and structures call for a Probabilistic Seismic Risk Assessment (PSRA). Deterministic approach considers the maximum earthquake on the fault at the nearest place to the site producing the maximum vibratory acceleration at the site shall be designated the Safe Shutdown Earthquake (SSE). Methods that include a combination of deterministic and probabilistic considerations are also used, and are called combined approaches. The design basis ground motion of a site is generally specified in terms of the peak ground acceleration (PGA), ground motion response spectral shapes and ground motion time history. The maximum vibratory ground acceleration of the Operating Basis Earthquake (OBE) shall be at least one-half the maximum vibratory ground acceleration of the Safe Shutdown Earthquake. The seismic design for values above approximately 0.26g is very expensive and the cost increases more than linearly with the severity of the ground shaking. For this reason, sites are preferred where the ground motion against which the plant has to be protected (design basis earthquake) is less severe. A complete study of the seism tectonics of the region, to identify the structure causing the earthquakes and collection of historical data on past earthquakes, and instrumental data referring to more recent times are required for determining the Design Basis Earthquake (DBE).

Where unfavourable physical characteristics of the site exist, the proposed site may nevertheless be found to be acceptable if the design of the facility includes appropriate and adequate compensating engineering safeguards.

Meteorological Characteristics: The extreme values of the meteorological events like tornadoes, cyclones, wind speed, precipitation, waterspout, lightning, drought, sandstorm, air temperature, storm surges, tsunami, sea water level over a minimum period of 50 years in the region shall be investigated by analysis to be basis in the proposed design of the plant. A region with the radius of 150 km should be considered for data collection purpose for tornadoes and waterspouts. The design basis physical parameters should be identified.

Release of Radioactivity: The radioactivity released from the plant in normal and accidental conditions should be evaluated. For this reason it is necessary to take into account the site characteristics regarding dispersion of radioactivity in the atmosphere and in surface and groundwater. It can then be established whether the engineering safety features of the plant are adequate for the population distribution around the plant. An appropriate model for the diffusion of airborne material at the site has to be developed. To evaluate the possible impact of the plant regarding release in the hydrosphere, the water uses near the plant have to be analysed and the characteristics of the site for dispersion of radioactive material in water have to be assessed. Investigation are required to evaluate a suitable model for dispersion in surface and groundwater. Special precautions should be planned if a reactor is to be located at a site where a significant quantity of radioactive effluent might accidentally flow into nearby streams or rivers. Emergency planning zone is required to be such size that an an individual assumed to be located at any point on its boundary would not receive an effective dose in excess of 10 mSv over 2-day period.

Flooding: In principle, the site should not be in areas where the flood is susceptible to occur. A nuclear power plant has to be protected against floods due to severe precipitation, failure of water retaining structures like dam, dyke, embankments or combination of events. At the start of the site survey, usually maps showing historical floods in the region are used to identify the areas which were particularly affected by simplified and empirical methods; the sites less affected by floods may be identified. A nuclear power plant has to be protected from the static and dynamic effects of flooding. Therefore, an appropriate design basis flood has to be evaluated for the site.

External Human Induced Events:Potential impacts to the plant should be determined with regard to the facilities such as chemical plants, oil refineries, mines, military facilities, ports, docks and airports, oil and gas pipelines etc. within 10 km or even more of the site where certain activities with strong explosives, ammunitions, chemicals or liquids and gas fuels may represent risks through chemical explosion, drifting of poisonous or explosive gas mixture, air crashes. Other impacts of the events such as missile impacts on plant should be taken into account for potential circumstances. The region is to be investigated to identify installations and human activities to ensure that the site of the nuclear power plant is not within dangerous distance.

Population Distribution:It is difficult to establish the criteria for evaluating the suitability of the population distribution around a site. They differ from country to country. During assessment, the general level of socio-economic development, and the transportation and communication systems(important in an emergency), overall population density of the region are considered in addition to the characteristics of the reactor and of the site. The population distribution around a nuclear power plant should be such as to allow a workable emergency plan to be established. It would be difficult to put an emergency plan into action if a large number of people have to be evacuated in a short time. So, the preference is given for areas of low population density and for sites at a considerable distance from main towns.

Site Evaluation:The regulatory authority establishes the standards for site characteristics (geology, seismology, hydrology, capable & surface faulting, meteorology etc.) and the design bases for Operation Basis Earthquake, Safe Shutdown Earthquake & various extreme events according to which the site will be Evaluated and reviewed. The site evaluation group collects all relevant information, performs a critical analysis, develops the design basis for the critical events and the models for dispersion in air and water, performs all special studies and obtains all the results and data needed for evaluating the site. All results are included in a site report to be presented to the regulatory authority. The regulatory authority reviews the applicants site report and issue the site approval. A check should be made to ensure that no relevant safety-related site characteristics have been overlooked. Before approving the site, the regulatory authority might require additional studies or information from the applicant.

The site is deemed unsuitable if certain site characteristics are identified which cannot be compensated by means of design features and protection measures such as the deficiencies with respect to - the effects of natural and human induced external events on the proposed site area; presence of characteristics that could influence escape of radioactive material to the people and environment; population distribution and intensity, and other site characteristics which may affect implementation of emergency measures. In the analysis to determine the suitability of the site, consideration shall be given to additional matters relating to safety such as the storage and transport of input and output materials, fresh and spent fuel and radioactive wastes. Other characteristics related to socio-economic or cultural aspects; effects on the archaeological or aesthetic conditions of the site area need to be considered.

Basic Requirements:The basic requirements for sitting of a nuclear power plant are: Integration of the plant to the electric grid, assurance of cooling water supplies and service water availability. A nuclear power plant needs to be as close as possible to load centres in order to minimize on electricity transmission costs and to reduce power losses. The nuclear power plant requires adequate and reliable start up power, which is another factor to be taken account.Assurance of adequate cooling water supply for emergency and long-term shutdown decay heat removal shall be considered in the design of the nuclear power plant. Consideration of river blockage or diversion or other failures which may block the flow of cooling water and failure of dams and similar structures shall be included in the evaluation where appropriate. In addition, water quality and temperature are also to be considered. The quantity of water required will depend mainly upon the system of cooling adopted (once-through cooling or recirculation with cooling towers and/or cooling ponds.), the heat output of the plant to be dissipated, and the ambient conditions. Adequate communication links should be available at the site. Transportation routes are necessary for conveying the large and heavy equipment of the nuclear power plant to the site. In this context, the existing and planned roads, waterways and railroads have to be available with respect to adequacy for the sizes and weights of the plant equipment to be transported from the manufacturing plants or from the port of entry into the country.

NPPs have demonstrated their robustness and ability to withstand some beyond design basis severe natural events and then be able to return to operation. The magnitude of some beyond design basis severe natural events were much greater than expected. It is time to redefine the nuclear regulatory process and develop a more effective approach for assuring that nuclear safety functions can be accomplished so that nuclear power plants can cope with events and combinations of events that exceed the traditional design basis.

Status of Nuclear Power in Bangladesh Bangladesh PerspectiveBangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) is entrusted with the responsibility to implement the nuclear power program in the country. Necessity for building a Nuclear Power Plant was first perceived in 1961 and the Rooppur site on the eastern bank of the river Padma in Pabna district about 160 km north of Dhaka was selected for the NPP in 1963. Since then, several feasibility studies have affirmed the techno-economic viability of the NPP project. Bangladesh government expressed its firm commitment to build Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in 1999. Bangladesh has framework agreements for peaceful nuclear energy applications with the US, France and China. More recently, in 2001 Bangladesh adopted a national Nuclear Power Action Plan. On 24 June 2007, Bangladesh's government announced plans to build a nuclear power plant to meet electricity shortages. Russia, China and South Korea had earlier offered financial and technical help to establish nuclear power. In March 2009 Russia made a formal proposal to build a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

In May 2010, Bangladesh signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Russia providing a legal basis for nuclear cooperation in areas such as siting, design, construction, operation, decommissioning of nuclear reactors; and radioactive waste management. In February 2011 Bangladesh signed an agreement with Russian state nuclear company Rosatom, for two 1000 MWe class reactors to meet rapidly increasing electricity demand. Rosatom's AtomStroyExport division will act as the contractor, while the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission will be the customer. Russia is to build Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant at Rooppur, Pabna under an intergovernmental cooperation agreement signed in Dhaka on 02 November 2011 which is estimated to cost more than US$2 billion, and expected to start operating by 2020. All nuclear fuel will be provided by Rosatom, and all the used fuel is to be repatriated to Russia, in line with standard Russian policy for non-nuclear-weapons states.

In February 2012 the Ministry of Science and Technology signed an agreement with Russia's Rostechnadzor related to regulation and safety and the provision of advisory support to the Bangladesh Nuclear Regulatory Commission on regulation, licensing and supervision.

During a state visit to Russia by Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in January 2013, an agreement was signed with Russia to provide $500 million to finance the preparatory work such as site surveys, detailed design documentation, personnel training in the fields of nuclear energy, feasibility studies and environmental impact studies of Bangladesh's first nuclear power project at Rooppur. A future loan of about $1.5 billion is committed. The IAEA continues its close involvement with the project. In June 2013, NIAEP-AtomStroyExport signed a contract with BAEC to prepare documentation related to construction and environmental impact assessment for the plant; and provide necessary engineering studies. NIAEP-AtomStroyExport was established in March 2012, bringing together power plant designer Nizhny Novgorod Atomenergoproekt with AtomStroyExport, the Russian state company responsible for overseas construction of nuclear power plants. Another agreement for major site works to prepare for first concrete is expected. On 29 May 2013 Bangladesh's prime minister declared that a nuclear power plant will also be constructed in southern region of the country in an inland river island. The foundation stone for the Rooppur nuclear power plant has been laid by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in presence of Rosatom Head Sergei Kiryenko on 03 October 2013. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) an independent regulatory body has been established in 2012 to ensure the safety measures in all the activities related with the Installation of NPP in conformity with the international standards.

An Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Bangladesh in 2011 concluded that the country had made notable progress in its nuclear infrastructure development, and recognised the country's strong expertise in safeguards, security and radiation protection. Bangladesh has had a safeguards agreement in force with the IAEA since 1982, and an Additional Protocol in force since 2001.The country has worked steadily towards the goal of using nuclear power to help meet its rapidly increasing energy demand and reduce dependence on natural gas.

Advantages to Nuclear Power:Nuclear power does have advantages. One of the main characteristics of the nuclear power generation is that a huge amount of energy can be obtained out of a little fuel which is easier to handle involving less transportation hassle. Uranium Ore is used as nuclear fuel for power generation by the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) through the process of refinement, conversion, enrichment and fabrication. Most nuclear power plants use uranium-235 as their fuel, in a concentration of around 4% to 5% enrichment, in combination with uranium-238, at 96% to 95%. Nuclear power generation has the advantage of using uranium as fuel repeatedly which is not possible in case of fossil fuels. The fuel which is burnt in the reactor (spent fuel) is reborn as fuel through reprocessing, which is called the nuclear fuel cycle. They offer a reliable source of power that does not cause pollution like fossil fuels do. As the fuel is not burned, nuclear energy doesn't release greenhouse gases into the environment, however it has its own nuclear waste to deal with. The waste is relatively compact, and can be recycled to a great extent. A 1000 MW nuclear plant will produce about 20 tons of waste a year, while a 1,000 MW coal power plant will produce about 5,330,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Once built, the fuel costs are lower than for fossil fuels and more stable over a period of years. Nuclear power plants don't require a lot of space. Modern reactors have two to ten times more efficiency than the old generation reactors. New reactor types have been designed to make it physically impossible to melt down. As the core gets hotter the reaction gets slower, hence a run-away reaction leading to a melt-down is not possible. Nuclear power has a much better safety record than those of fossil fuelled plants.

Disadvantages to Nuclear Power:Nuclear Power Plant is more expensive than any other source of energy widely used commercially (although not compared to the cost per energy unit produced).There are safety concerns if the plant is not operated correctly or conditions arise that were unforeseen when the plant was developed, as happened at the Fukushima plant in Japan; the core melted down following an earthquake and tsunami. The plant was not designed to handle such situation despite the world's strongest earthquake codes. The hazardous waste is dangerous if it escapes into the environment. The same applies to any release of contamination through accident or design flaws. The waste and by-products represent a threat to world safety if obtained by terrorists. Nuclear power can be used to build nuclear bombs. The spent fuel is highly radioactive and has to be carefully stored for many years after use. The cost of decommissioning a nuclear plant is enormous.

Emerging Nuclear Energy Countries:Currently, 434 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 374348 MWe are operable (connected to the grid) in 33 countries of the world ; 72 reactors are under construction (176338 Mwe gross; and 173 reactors (188755 Mwe gross) are planned (approvals, funding or major commitment in place, mostly expected in operation within 8-10 years;) which includes two reactors of 2000 Mwe capacity in Bangladesh. Reactors which are being constructed and planned not only in the developed countries but also in the developing countries like Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Egypt, Vietnam, Turkey. It is completely wrong to say nuclear power program is suitable only for the developed and advanced country. Nuclear power is under serious consideration in over 45 countries ranging from sophisticated economies to developing nations including Bangladesh which do not currently have it. Bangladesh is now recognized as one of the Emerging Nuclear Energy Countries who has signed contracts and developing legal & regulatory infrastructure. According to the IAEAs assessment by its Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions in different countries newcomer seven countries namely Lithuania, UAE, Turkey, Belarus, Vietnam, Poland, and Bangladesh appear likely candidates to launch nuclear programs in the near term.

ConclusionIncreasing access to electricity and at the same time reduction in carbon dioxide emission has become a great challenge of our time which is the result of unmindful energy use by the rich threatening global climate. The risk arising out of global climate change and rapid depletion of global fossil fuels is real and substantial. As a solution to this problem nuclear power with its immense energy potential is an inevitable option to meet the global energy requirements in a non-polluting and sustainable manner. It is ironic that in spite of its large energy potential with the capability to meet the worldwide energy needs sustainably and without any significant real environmental impact, the unfounded misconceptions still dominate and have become impediments to sustainable development. All of us should recognize our responsibility in this regard. The share of nuclear energy as a clean energy source is possible and feasible in a manner that satisfies the imperatives of nuclear safety and security. For the new entrants to the nuclear industry which are moving towards fuel loading in their first reactor, the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) offers pre-startup peer reviews as part of its peer review program, particularly to address the situation of new plants in countries and organizations without previous nuclear power experience. WANOs goal is to do a pre-startup review on every new nuclear power plant worldwide. The reviews seek to evaluate how each operating organization is prepared for startup and make recommendations for improvements based on the collective experience of the world industry.

Recognizing the important role of nuclear power in meeting the long term energy needs of 160 million people of Bangladesh, high priority has been attached by the government for the development of nuclear power plant in the country. Government has rightfully decided to set up the Nuclear Power Plant of 1000 Mw at Rooppur, Pabna with the support of Russian Federation. Another NPP in the southern part of Bangladesh is under active consideration of the govt. after the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The power program of Bangladesh with the objective of large scale deployment of nuclear power is designed to cater to the long term energy needs of the country. Bangladesh intends to reach a total nuclear capacity of 4000 MWe by the year 2030. Power starved Bangladesh needs to switch over from its tremendous dependence on natural gas and imported petroleum for electricity generation to alternative sources of energy. Nuclear energy is definitely a better alternative due to the advantages as mentioned and other factors such as nuclear power is clean with no greenhouse gases; and rate of nuclear power tariff with a reactors life of ~40 years is more or less the same as that from coal based thermal power stations. The first NPP will be constructed meeting all the safety requirements and precautions. It will meet all the international post-Fukushima requirements. The plant will feature double containment, a passive heat removal system as well as other safety features. Bangladesh will gain confidence to achieve self-reliance in nuclear fuel cycle through the implementation of the first nuclear power plant and the further growth of nuclear energy programme in the country. Constructive discussion regarding any potential risk for implementing NPP is always welcome to augment the acceptability of countrys first NPP, but the negative propaganda and misleading information are undesirable.

It is far from truth as some says that people will become insecure if NPP is established at Rooppur, Pabna. There have been three major reactor accidents in the history of civil nuclear power - Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima. Among them only the Chernobyl accident caused the death of 57 people. Even the Fukushima Daiichi severe accident did not cause any direct death which is due to the advancement of capabilities to manage nuclear emergencies now. In fact thousands got killed in other energy related accidents such as hydroelectric dam failure, oil & gas explosion, methane explosion, coal mine accidents and so on. Today regulatory requirements have been made such that even if there is any accident it must be confined to the plant itself. The safety positions now include a series of physical barriers between the radioactive core and the environment.

Bangladesh with significant nuclear technological background is prepared to implement nuclear power program to meet its energy needs and it will definitely succeed in this glorious endeavour; and thus the long cherished dream to become a Nuclear Energy Country will be fulfilled.

Dr. Eunuse Akon;Teacher (part time), Geology Department, Dhaka University& Former Chief Geologist & Director, Nuclear Minerals Unit,Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

Nuke Milestones for Bangladesh & Safety Aspect of Rooppur NPP

Nuke Milestones for Bangladesh & Safety Aspect of Rooppur NPP

Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar

Bangladesh has limited indigenous resources. Socio-economic development of the country largely depends on sustainable and affordable supply of energy and electricity. Presently, the country is facing a shortfall of about 1000 MW. The unsatisfied demand for electricity is one of the crucial bottlenecks to the overall development of Bangladesh. The country needs to produce a huge amount of quality electricity in order to improve the quality of life of its citizen.

Nuclear power is recognized as an environmentally friendly and economically viable option for generation of electricity. It is a reality that an introduction and expansion of nuclear power program could help in attaining energy security in terms of adequate supply of electricity, stability of price and reduction of dependence on high cost power generation based on imported liquid fuel. Considering the limitation of indigenous resources and the very high energy cost of imported fuel and other liquid fuel based power generation, Bangladesh government has decided to embark on nuclear power. International experience suggests that the time from a country starting to study the possibility of a nuclear power programme to the operation of its first nuclear power plant (NPP) is about 10 - 15 years. Depending on the resources to be devoted and the resources available, the Perspective Plan of Bangladesh: 2010 2021 and the Power System Mater Plan, 2010 (PSMP, 2010) had projected the contribution of NPP in the overall demand. The share of NPP will be 10% of the total electricity demand by 2021 and about 20% by 2030. Accordingly, Bangladesh is implementing its first NPP project, the "Rooppur NPP" project located in the Western Part of the country. The project is targeted to produce about 2000 MW(e) electricity by 2021 - 22. It has become a reality that in the context of economic growth scenario of the country, recoverable indigenous energy resources and prevailing energy consumption and generation pattern, only one nuclear power plant will not be sufficient to meet the increasing growing demand. Realizing this practical situation, Bangladesh is actively considering building a second NPP in the Southern Part of the country.

It is obvious that the efforts to develop nuclear power are constrained by political, legal and regulatory, technical and scientific, commercial and financial factors. The newcomer countries to NPP often face a series of challenges that require several fundamental initiatives in establishing well founded infrastructure for construction of the first NPP. Introduction of NPP is 100% dependent on the national decision and it requires a long term commitment (>100 years) of a nation. The success of a NPP project requires a clear national position, a strong governmental initiate and support for building the first NPP and continuous support by the main political parties and relevant stakeholders. Financing is a major issue in most newcomer countries, huge investment is needed to meet the costs on the establishment of nuclear infrastructure, pre-project and NPP construction project development and implementation and also the required costs for the development and creation of essential conditions for safe, secured and reliable operation and maintenance the nuclear plant. The development of domestic conditions on safeguards and verification measures and setting up a system for adequate physical protection and nuclear security of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities are also of great concerns due to national and international obligations.

Milestones in the National Nuclear Infrastructure DevelopmentBangladesh has limited infrastructure, resources, professionals and expertise to prepare necessary infrastructure for nuclear build. The country has a clear understanding on the requirements for NPP build according to the IAEA guidelines and national and international obligations. Recognizing the importance of an appropriate, phased and comprehensive approach to the development of national nuclear power infrastructure, the country has taken steps required for establishing national nuclear power infrastructure based on the widely used referring document, the "Millstones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power" (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1). According to this approach, the nuclear infrastructure development activities can be split into three progressive phases and outlining 19 infrastructure issues to be addressed in each phase.

From international experiences, it has been well understood that the full understanding of the national commitments to nuclear power can best be achieved by forming a Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO). The IAEA has clarified the formation of the NEPIO introduction, as a flexible body which functions in early phase (Phase 1 of the IAEA Milestones approach) is very critical to make a knowledgeable decision to proceed with the development of the nuclear power. This body includes the representatives of three key entities: government, existing/future regulatory body and future NPP owner/operator organization. Due to the complexity and magnitude of nuclear power, the NEPIO should play the leading role to define and justify the national strategy for nuclear power and coordinate work on all 19 infrastructure issues in Phase 1with full understanding and realizing of the national commitments in achieving Milestone 1. The NEPIO needs to exist for coordination in all Phases of nuclear power program. The NEPIO has different structure in different countries.

Bangladesh established the Nuclear NEPIO based on the IAEA guidelines in 2010. In case of Bangladesh, the NEPIO is in the form high level Government Committees which establishes a blanket administrative provision for coordinating the activities on 19 infrastructure issues, developing policy strategy on "Rooppur NPP" project development and implementation, monitoring the progress of the project activities and providing recommendations and directives required for successful implementation of the project. The National Committee chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister has been assigned with the responsibility for providing necessary directives and policy decisions on nuclear infrastructure program, ownership pattern and project execution approach, funding mechanism, strategic partnership and development of contract arrangements for "Rooppur NPP", capacity building and technical competency development, nuclear safety and regulatory infrastructure development, etc. Besides, the National Committee, a Technical Committee headed by the State Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and a Working Group and eight Sub-Groups headed by Secretary, MOST are formed to coordinate the work on 19 infrastructure issues of the concerned ministries/organizations based on IAEA Milestones document and review the progress of "Rooppur NPP" project activities. These Committees (NEPIO for Bangladesh) have given explicit governmental mandate and functioning under definite terms and responsibilities assigned for. Various policy decisions on nuclear infrastructure development, "Rooppur NPP" ownership pattern, funding mechanism, strategic partnership establishment, nuclear safety regulation and regulatory infrastructure development, human resource development, public education, national grid system development, heavy equipment transportation planning, etc. were taken in the meetings of the National Committee and provided necessary directives to the relevant ministries, organizations to expedite the government decision on implementation of project. The Technical Committee and the Working Group and Sub-Groups are coordinating activities related to the conditions of all infrastructure issues and regular monitoring the progress of the project activities. The Coordination Committee and various Sub-committees of BAEC are dealing with different technical aspects and providing support and cooperation.

Over the last five years, a significant progress in the development of national nuclear power infrastructure has been made based on the IAEA Milestones approach and IAEA Safety Standards through IAEA assistance, which includes among others are: Formation of NEPIO; Rooppur NPP Project related site resources investigations and preparation of input data for pre-design documentation, completion of the base-line EIA study and approval of the ToRs of the comprehensive EIA for Rooppur NPP construction, selection of type of technology and establishment of strategic partnership with the vendor country and conclusion of bilateral agreement, confirmation of Rooppur NPP owner/operator organization, development of preparatory stage of construction Project and funding mechanism, policy decision on nuclear fuel cycle and spent fuel management, funding and financing modality, capacity building in nuclear engineering education and research activities and introduction of nuclear engineering department in the leading national universities, policy decision on national grid system development , establishment of nuclear information centre for public education and stakeholders involvement system, etc.

Bangladesh is establishing technical and legal requirements for safety, security, safeguards and civil liability for regulating NPP. However, the legal and regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety and nuclear security for radiation sources were in placed in the country but recognizing the complexity of regulating the nuclear power, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory (BAER) Act, 2013 has been enacted and the BAER Authority has been established. The core competency has been developed on nuclear safety regulations.

The IAEA has been conducting the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions to review the status of the National Nuclear Infrastructure of the newcomer countries to NPP. The Agency conducted the INIR mission to Bangladesh in November 2011 which reviewed the 19 issues of Phase 1 and Phase 2. The mission team reviewed the status of Bangladesh nuclear power infrastructure and concluded that nuclear power of the country in general has progressed into Phase 2, being in the stage of preparation to negotiate agreement(s) /contract(s) with selected vendor for construction of Rooppur NPP. A successful Phase 2 requires strong government commitment. The mission provided recommendations and suggestions for closing the existing gaps of the nuclear power infrastructure. The mission report helped Bangladesh to identify the issues and gaps needing further attention. An Integrated Work Plan (IWP) for Bangladesh Infrastructure Building for the period 2012 - 15 has been developed in consultation with the IAEA in May, 2012. All possible activities and programs correspond to each recommendation and suggestions in each 19 infrastructure elements have been included in the IWP and the future scopes of technical cooperation of the IAEA and the areas of cooperation of bilateral partners were also identified. The report of the INIR mission is an important milestone document for nuclear infrastructure of Bangladesh and the country has put much effort in creating national conditions for achieving the IAEA Milestone 2 and also starting main stage of NPP (Phase 3 activities) construction by 2016 in order to bring the 'Rooppur NPP' on-line within planned time frame.

Presently, BAER Authority is developing regulations, licensing system, review and assessment, authorization, inspection, enforcement and public information. The Authority is defining siting and construction requirements of nuclear installations, determining the criteria for approval of the NPP Site License and NPP Construction License and authorization process to ensure safety, safeguard and security decisions of NPP. The licensing steps and authorization processes at different stages of "Rooppur NPP" project is shown in Figure 1. BAEC as the owner/operator of the plant is the prime responsible organization for safety. BAEC has a clear understanding and also strong commitment to ensure safety and security at every stage of nuclear power projects: Sitting, design, manufacture, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plant through following the applicable IAEA guidelines, national and international technical and legal requirements and instruments.

Among various infrastructure issues, the HRD has been identified as the most critical and sensitive issue. More than 100 scientist/engineers were trained on different aspects of nuclear power through IAEA cooperation and vendor assistances. A significant number of young professionals of BAEC have received M. Sc and Ph. D degree in nuclear engineering from abroad. Moreover, government has recognized its role to implement national education and training enhancements to meet the needs of the country's nuclear program and accordingly necessary measures have been taken. The training and education for required skills and competencies of the managerial and technical personnel of the "Rooppur NPP" project management team, identified technical support divisions/institutions of BAEC and other national institutions, relevant personnel of the NEPIO can be implemented implementation through IAEA assistance and bilateral partners. A comprehensive training programme for construction project management team has been developed and will be implemented with the assistance of vendor country and other bilateral partners. Development and implementation of the training and education courses for regulatory authority personnel including on the job training in the regulatory body of NPP vendor country and experienced NPP regulators are also in progress. A bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes has been signed between nuclear regulatory authority of Russian Federation and Bangladesh. The operators and maintenance personnel of "Rooppur NPP" will be trained from the vendor sources.

Steps have been taken for developing training adequate training and education for operational and maintenance personnel through feasibility evaluation of "Rooppur NPP" which will be implemented by the vendor under General Contract for main stage of NPP construction. A mechanism has been established to have available trained manpower for operation and maintenance of the plant during erection and commissioning stage of "Rooppur NPP" according to the IGA signed with Russian Federation. Policy decision has been made on necessary modification/upgrading of the national electric grid suitable for the NPP and necessary studies in this regard are in progress by the concerned institutions of Bangladesh and Russian Federation. The issues and obligations of radioactive waste and spent fuel management, environmental protection, emergency response, and nuclear security have been addressing right at the beginning of the program.

Bangladesh is intended to build a solid infrastructure to make the best use of the NPP technology for power generation with high levels of safety, security and non-proliferation. Bangladesh worked out a programme for infrastructure development required for completion of preparatory stage of construction by 2016 and successful completion of main stage of construction of Rooppur NPP within the projected time in a safe, secured and cost effective manner. Bangladesh has a clear vision on national infrastructure development required for siting, design, construction, commissioning and operation of plant based on IAEA Milestones Approach that is shown Figure 2.

Milestones in the development of NPP Construction Project ManagementThere is a close relationship between infrastructure development and the NPP project activities. Preparatory work for the construction of a NPP starts just after a policy decision is taken to launch a nuclear power program Phase 2. The most significant preparatory activities are to perform the feasibility study/feasibility evaluation for assessment of techno-economic solution of the NPP for a specific plant site. In this regard, the NPP site related resources investigation and activities concerning collection and generation of necessary input data and information on demography, seismic, geology and hydrology, transportation condition, electric power outgoing condition and general assessment of an impact on archaeological objects, landscape as well as individuals or communities and the economical unfavorable condition and elimination of subversive factors of the potential sites or selected site have to be started at the initial Phase 2.

Site infrastructure work can begin immediately following the early commercial decision taken on a NPP site and NPP technology. The site license is granted based on the reports on pre-design documentations of NPP which are prepared mainly based feasibility evaluation (FE), site assessment and comprehensive EIA study. These studies and site engineering surveys are performed following the applicable domestic legislative acts and regulations, legislative and normative requirements of vendor country and IAEA recommendations on FE, site evaluation and EIA assessments of nuclear facilities. It has been recommended by the international organization that the lesson that has been learnt from the Fukushima NPP must be taken into consideration in building new NPP. After that accident, the NPP vendors are encouraged to revise safety features-into their designs with adequate features to increase robustness of their designs to extreme natural events. On the other hand, countries interested in introducing or adding NPP to their grid have to evaluate their selected sites in terms of vulnerabilities to extreme events and their consequences on the features and design provisions of the technologies they evaluate, translate their findings into requirements and review the designs in light of those site specific requirements with the technology vendors they choose.

The advanced to proceed (ATP) for procurement or ordering of major nuclear equipment may not be allowed until the regulatory approval of the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR), technical documents and QA program. The placement of the first concrete is granted without construction license of the NPP is granted. An experienced contractor is engaged for developing the technical design including the development of the PSAR, PSA, QA program and work documentation for the first NPP.

The construction of NPP is a huge activity. Adequate preparation in creation of general infrastructure and support organization is essential for commencement of the work at the site. The site preparation activities upgrading/building access roads, site leveling, site fencing for security purposes, construction of temporary warehouses, construction of temporary office buildings and housings for the staffs of contractor, subcontractors and project management team, sanitation, fire-fighting net, installation of communication system to the outside and within the site and establishment of the provision of the adequate electric power and water supply for the construction of NPP. The successful completion of preparatory construction activities has a great influence to the success of main stage construction, commissioning and acceptance of the NPP.

In case of a first NPP, a turnkey type contract is made with an experienced General Contractor and usually assigned the contractor with full responsibility for project engineering, namely plant conceptual design, basic and detailed engineering design and preparation and review of equipment and plant specifications; procurement of every item of equipment and material for construction, testing and commissioning the plant; plant construction, erection of plant buildings and structures, installation of plant equipment, components and systems and construction management and plant commissioning and turnover to operation for the plant.

Milestones in the Construction of "Rooppur NPP" The construction phase of the Rooppur NPP project is the most critical phase. Completion of the construction with the specified quality, within short and accurately predicted construction schedule and budget is a key to the success of the project. Based on data available and information related to NPP construction project management, it has been recognized that the quality of the works at the preparatory phase of NPP construction is a critical input for the commencement of construction works after concrete pouring.

Over the years, advanced construction and scheduling methods have been developed and necessary guidelines on NPP construction project management have been established. For a new NPP build, selection of a suitable method to construction project management is one of the fundamental decisions for building NPP. The lessons learnt from Fukushima NPP accident must be taken into consideration in building Rooppur NPP. Bangladesh has recognized the importance of determining a suitable approach and based on the existing skills and competency available in project management, construction and the projected time frame planned to bring the plant on-line well as lessons learnt from the Fukushima NPP accident, a two-stages construction and scheduling method is adopted for "Rooppur NPP" under a turnkey type contractual approach within the framework of the intergovernmental cooperation agreement. The two-stage approach is as follows: (1) Preparatory Stage of "Rooppur NPP" construction and (2) Main Stage of "Rooppur NPP" construction. The preparatory stage of construction activities starts from the comprehensive study and survey for developing pre-design documentations to the required site development and construction and erection works till first concrete pouring of NPP. The main stage of NPP construction works start just after first concrete date through obtaining construction license. The two stages Rooppur NPP construction is shown in Figure 3.

After Fukushima NPP accident, Bangladesh has taken a policy decision to evaluate/characterize the "Rooppur NPP" site in terms of vulnerabilities to extreme events and their consequences on the features and design provisions of the selected technology through involvement of the responsible NPP Design Institution of the vendor country during site evaluation process. It is expecting that through involvement of the NPP Design Institute in site evaluation, environmental studies and feasibility evaluation makes it responsible in developing appropriate design documentation with special consideration of the site specific requirements applicable to NPP site assessment.

Recognizing the necessity of creating conditions to facilitate the development of construction infrastructure for "Rooppur NPP" Bangladesh has realized a step by step approach for preparatory stage activities. The preparatory stage of construction includes: (i) development of pre-design documentation, (ii) development of design and working documentation of first priority construction and erection works and (iii) performance of the first priority construction and erection works through three distinct phases: (a) pioneer base construction, (b) erection and construction base works of 1st stage and (c) construction of foundation for first concrete pouring. This preparatory stage of construction will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2016.

Bangladesh has appointed the JSC Atomstroyexport, an experienced and reputed NPP design and construction management organization of the Russian Federation for preparatory construction activities within the framework of the IGA and the state credit financing agreement signed between Russian Federation and Bangladesh in January 2013. To perform the preparatory construction stage activities Bangladesh Atomic Energy has signed three separate contracts with JSC Atomstroyexport. The first contract is the development of the Feasibility Evaluation, Environmental Impact Assessment for Rooppur NPP site and the performance of the necessary Engineering Survey and Environmental Studies. The second contract is "development of design documentation, first-priority working documentation and engineering survey for the Design stage of Rooppur NPP" and the third contract "the performance of first priority construction and erection works at preparatory stage of Rooppur NPP". The modality and scope of works of the fourth contract is identified and agreed by the concerned parties.

The JSC Atomstroyexport is performing the site engineering survey and environmental studies, feasibility evaluation (FE) and Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for preparation of the required documentation packages to the extent containing all requirements of legislative acts and regulations with regard to safety, according to the techno-normative requirements of Russian Federation, the relevant IAEA guidelines and applicable Bangladesh domestic rules and regulations. Basically, the engineering survey and environmental studies are the complex engineering studies of the region of interest for Rooppur NPP construction with the purpose of obtaining input data related to the natural and anthropogenic conditions of the Rooppur site location with the purpose of pre-design and design documentation. These studies/assessments produce materials for confirmation of Rooppur Project site in terms minimizing all safety hazards: the natural and man-made events, the absence of negative effects of the nuclear facility on environment and derive design basis for natural and human induced external events namely design basis earthquakes, design basis floods, design basis meteorological events, aircraft crash and other transportation hazards, explosion, fire, etc. Radiological impact on the population and on the territory during normal and accidental conditions will be examined and evaluated. The availability and acceptability of alternate water sources are being assessed and options for suitable cooling system and preliminary layout of intake and outfall structures are determined.

The FE is a set of complex studies to assess the technical and economic feasibility evaluation of the site for the NPP location and substantiation of the basic design solutions for the NPP construction and the assessment of the NPP environmental impact. The FE of the Rooppur NPP is being carried out for (1) technological solution (reactor, fuel type and cycle, process engineering solutions), (2) economical solution through developing financial strategy and financial plan (state export credit from vendor source, local funding source, etc.), (3) preliminary design solutions of general layout plan and main civil solutions, (4) workforce planning for operation and maintenance of the plant and developing training and education programs with vendor cooperation, (5) assessment of construction impact on the population and environment (natural environments, components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems), (6) assessment of the construction impact on the water and air environment, (7) preliminary emergency response plan and (8) preliminary physical protection plan. On the other hand, the EIA study based on the Terms of References (ToR) approved by the Department of Environment for Rooppur NPP will be used in the development of the environmental impact assessment and necessary pre-design documentations and materials for obtaining clearance from the DoE and developing Environmental Management Program for plant. The documents and materials receipt from above-mentioned studies/surveys/assessment under the first contract will confirm the safety assurance of the Rooppur site for construction of VVER type NPP technology and filling for obtaining Site License. It is expected that all these studies will be completed by this year and the Site License could be obtained.

Under the provisions and scope of the 2nd contract "development of design documentation, first-priority working documentation and engineering survey for the Design stage of Rooppur NPP" the JSC Atomstroyexport is conducting detailed site engineering survey and comprehensive site assessment which required at the design stage. The main purposes of these studies are as follows: (1) finalization of the basic cost of the civil construction, (2) NPP layout drawings (general location plan and general layout); (3) principle layout and structural solutions for the most complicated and safety related buildings/structures of the NPP and their engineering protection and (4) assessment of impact of the NPP buildings and structures on natural environment, underground waters and water eco-system and population and (5) Elaboration of the documentation required for the receipt of construction license, elaboration of PSAR chapters and sections of the design documentation. Based on studies conducted during design stage, the technical design documentations for building Rooppur NPP will be developed. The technical design documentations of Rooppur NPP includes the following documentations: (1) Technical Assignment, (2) Design solutions, architectural solutions, structural and layout solutions, (3) Listing of engineering and technical activities, technical equipment, engineering and technical network and description of the process solutions, (4) Quality Assurance Program for design of Nuclear Power Plant, (5) Fire safety, (6) Technical Assignment for comprehensive engineering survey and ecological studies at design stage, (7) Probabilistic Safety Analysis Report of the first level (PSA - Level 1) for reactor unit 1 and reactor unit 2 (8) Construction management plan, (9) List of environmental protection measures, (10) design of automatic process control system (10) Preliminary Safety Analysis Reports (PSAR) for reactor unit 1 and reactor unit 2.

The "NPP construction method" is specific to a NPP project site and facilities, which is usually adopted in accordance with the ability of the "construction bases of NPP" to receive and install the equipment at the construction site. The main stage of Rooppur NPP construction depends on the quality of the preparatory stage construction and the constructed structures and facilities. It is noted that preparatory construction works and related facilities of NPP project can be divided into three sequential construction methodologies. They are: (1) Pioneer Base, (2) construction and Erection Base and (3) Industrial Construction Base. The Pioneer Base includes the facilities required for the performance of all studies/surveys and field works and the establishment of Construction & Erection Base. Construction & Erection base is the transportation and installation facilities (Electrical, Mechanical) of different types of sophisticated component, heavy equipment, and construction machineries in site for the construction of nuclear power plant as well as the development of all construction related facilities with required laboratories. In a word, Construction & Erection base is the development of infrastructure facilities to construct nuclear industrial site. Industrial Construction Base is the specialized nuclear construction methodology for nuclear power plant by which infrastructure development of 1st and 2nd unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant would be constructed.

Under preparatory stage of construction, the Atomstroyexport establishes the construction bases of Rooppur NPP". Besides technical design documentation, development of design documentation for the pioneer and construction and erection bases for Rooppur NPP and development of first-priority working documentation for pioneer base and construction & erection base facilities will be developed under the provisions of the second contract. This documentation includes among others as follows: (1) Design and working documentations for pioneer base, (2) General layout of construction & erection base, design documentations of construction & erection base and Working documentations for construction & erection base and (3) documentation on Industrial Construction Base. The main purposes of above-mentioned set of design documentation are shall be used for obtaining Construction License for construction of the "Rooppur NPP"

Based upon the design documentation and first-priority working documentation for pioneer base, construction & erection base and industrial base of "Rooppur NPP", the vertical planning and associated facilities of the three distinct categories will be built under the third and four contract. The Pioneer Base of Rooppur NPP includes following main facilities: vertical leveling, surveyors base, two storied office building, watch-tower, warehouse, site fence, canteen, diesel power station and diesel fuel warehouse, mobile concrete mixing unit, construction laboratory, temporal roads, territory land improvement, domestic and service water supply, fire station, two storied residential village for contractors personnel, etc. The main facilities of construction and erection base: (1) vertical leveling for construction and erection base, facility for earthmoving work, parking area, site fencing, two storied amenity building, four storied administrative building, canteen, indoor storage, two storied maintenance building, concrete mixing unit 1 and 2, cement warehouse, construction laboratories, metal warehouse, workshop, sand blasting painting and anticorrosion shop, reinforcement facilities, temporal motor ways, territory / land improvement, outdoor combined domestic and service water supply, outdoor lighting system, etc. The Industrial Construction Base includes the following facilities: vertical planning, site fencing, guard room, temporary motorways, outdoor lighting system, pit water removal, development of pit foundation for unit 1 and unit 2.

In addition to above-mentioned facilities and structures, the riverside structures and facilities for unloading will be built and the required motor cars, trucks and construction equipment along with full gantry crane of 32 ton capacity will be purchased. The wash unit for concrete mixer trucks and motor vehicles and outdoor power supply system will be established.

Through completion of the construction of foundation of Rooppur NPP and preparation of the first concrete pouring works, the activities of the preparatory stage of Rooppur NPP construction will be completed ( by the fourth quarter of 2016). After concrete pouring, the main stage of construction will be commenced. The JSC Atomstroyexport has already been appointed by the IGA as the general contractor of the main stage of Rooppur NPP construction. A General Contract for construction of the main stage of construction will be signed. It is expected that the General Contract will be signed this year.

Rooppur NPP - A Safer NPP for Power GenerationDespite considering all safety standards and precautions one cannot guarantee absolute safety or 100% safety and 100% free of any malfunctions in any of man-made machine or equipment. This applies to nuclear power technology too. But one exception NPP has. It is always modern in the design and always up-to-date according to the site condition. The NPP technology can encounter problems such as environmental pollution in form of radioactive leakage, military or terrorist attacks on the sites or other unforeseen events and accidents. The Fukushima accident and breakdown of cooling systems of three reactors demonstrated that unforeseen events can still surprise us and cause serious damage and bring about unpleasant conditions. However, being prepared can reduce the possible casualty and unpleasant result of an event.

It is worth mentioning that the two risk factors responsible for the Three Mile Island Nuclear power plant in USA (March 1979) and Chernobyl nuclear power plant in former Soviet Union ( April 1986) accidents were safety aspect of technology and training of personnel to severe accidents. These two factors have already been eliminated through improving the safety features of the reactors, enhancement of training responding to severe accident and introduction of passive safety features into the technology. On the other hand, the lessons that have been learnt from the Fukushima accident could be viewed as an opportunity to improve further safety standards in assessment and characterization of the "Rooppur NPP" site and spent fuel storage aspect. Moreover, this particular accident actually showed how containment structures could prevent disasters like Chernobyl. Todays containment structures of a generation III or III + reactors are much more resistant than that of Fukushima. Moreover, the plant will have more comprehensive safety specifications/procedures and backup power generators that could have withstand against the natural disasters. Recently, Igor Sechin (Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation) and Sergey Kiriyenko (the head of ROSATOM, the Russian State nuclear energy corporation and former Prime Minister of Russian Federation) have separately announced that tests conducted in new Russian VVER plants have proved that these power plants can withstand 14 meters high Tsunamis or earth quakes with magnitude 9 in Richter scale.

It is highly desirable that the design of "Rooppur NPP" will have the highest level of safety standards. The plant designer has made responsible for deriving the site specific safety parameters and front-end engineering. The lessons learnt from Fukushima NPP are taken into consideration in designing the plant. The two stage construction approach ensures establishing appropriate construction infrastructure and determines the safest construction condition nuclear structures. The building structure of "Rooppur NPP" could withstand the direct impact of a jumbo jet 747 airplane with full fuel tank and military planes. It must be safe against natural disaster such as storms and floods and resistant to a magnitude 9 in Richter scale earthquake. The strongest earthquake in Rooppur region is about 6 -7 in Richter scale which surely cannot damage "Rooppur NPP". Furthermore, based on safety specifications of the power plants such events can cause no damage to the reactor installations and its core as well as power plant control and automatic protection system can easily bring it to safety point. In addition, one cannot compare the "Rooppur NPP" with Fukushima NPP, because the earthquake was not the cause of Fukushima disaster. In Fukushima, the cause of disaster was the effect of subsequent massive Tsunami with a speed of 800 km per hour and 14 metres high tidal waves. In contrast the probability of a Tsunami happens around "Rooppur NPP" is zero. Moreover, new version of VVER-1000 is able to withstand 14 meters high Tsunamis or earth quakes with magnitude 9 in Richter scale.

The rare accidents in the history of nuclear power should not encourage characterizing the nuclear energy as unsafe and unreliable. Nuclear energy has been faithfully serving the humanity from its inception and it will continue to do so from time to come if humanity wants to use it peacefully. Mere fear of risk cannot undermine its contribution. Rather we would like to conquer this fear and attain the state of fearlessness in our journey with nuclear energy.

Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar;Chief Scientific Officer & DirectorBangladesh Atomic Energy Commission