Minister orders plan to make power system safe, smart ahead of nuclear era

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has directed concerned authorities to prepare working papers to make the country's power transmission and distribution system safer, smarter and more modern as Bangladesh prepares to enter the nuclear power era.

The directive was given at a review meeting with chairmen and managing directors of transmission and distribution-related companies under the Power Division at the ministry's conference room on Monday, June 8.

The minister said potential risks and challenges must be identified and addressed before entering the nuclear power era. Nuclear power is highly technology-dependent, so necessary preparations must be completed before electricity generation begins. The PGCB has been instructed to prepare a concept paper based on necessary research and analysis, which will later be evaluated with the help of experienced foreign consultants on nuclear power.

He noted that the country has moved from gas-based power generation to a diversified energy system including coal and solar power, and is now advancing towards nuclear power. Full coordination between transmission and distribution systems is essential for this. Without proper coordination, there is a risk of system collapse.

Emphasising public safety, the minister said nuclear power is extremely important for Bangladesh, but since it is complex and highly technology-dependent, utmost caution and preparation must be ensured.

The minister also stated that unnecessary projects in the power sector have already been identified, and action will be taken after investigating the roles of those involved in these projects.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, PGCB Chief Engineer Md Manjurul Islam, and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, among others.