Minister orders smart grid roadmap to prepare Bangladesh for nuclear power era

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive working paper aimed at making Bangladesh’s electricity system safer, smarter, and more modern as the country prepares to enter the nuclear power era.

The directive came during a review meeting held at the ministry on Monday, where chairmen and managing directors of power transmission and distribution agencies and companies discussed the country’s existing power infrastructure, system vulnerabilities, smart grid development, and preparations required for the introduction of nuclear power generation, according to a ministry press release.

The minister stressed the need for immediate preparations to identify and address potential challenges associated with integrating nuclear power into the national grid. 

Highlighting the importance of establishing a National Research Centre, he said Bangladesh must ensure adequate technical preparedness before nuclear power generation begins, given the highly sophisticated nature of the technology.

“We have already started the preparation process. The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) has been asked to conduct the necessary studies and prepare a concept paper,” he said.

According to the minister, the concept paper will be reviewed by international consultants with experience in nuclear power systems. Based on their recommendations, the country's transmission and distribution networks will be upgraded before nuclear-generated electricity is added to the grid.

“Our objective is to complete all necessary preparations on time,” he added.

The minister noted that Bangladesh's power sector has gradually diversified from gas-based generation to a broader energy mix that includes coal and solar power, and is now preparing for nuclear energy.

However, he warned that synchronisation of transmission and distribution systems would be critical for the successful integration of nuclear power.

He criticised previous administrations for failing to establish an effective synchronisation framework, warning that inadequate preparation could increase the risk of system failures.

“If these systems are not properly synchronised, there is a possibility of system collapse. We are taking preparatory measures now to prevent such incidents and establish a suitable smart power system,” he said.

The minister instructed PGCB's chief engineer and relevant officials to submit a detailed concept paper and working plan on the development of a smart grid system. Officials assured the meeting that a roadmap and recommendations would be presented shortly.

The meeting also reviewed measures already undertaken to ensure the smooth grid integration of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. These include the introduction of primary and secondary frequency control systems designed to enhance grid stability and maintain system balance once nuclear-generated electricity enters the network.

Participants discussed a number of technical challenges that must be addressed before the country begins commercial nuclear power generation. 

These include ensuring adequate spinning reserve capacity through greater participation of power plants, implementing smart grid technologies, upgrading the overall distribution network, introducing a Distribution Management System (DMS), removing transmission bottlenecks, and managing sharp fluctuations in electricity demand caused by weather-related outages in distribution lines.

The minister directed all relevant agencies to work in close coordination and take prompt action to address these challenges.

“The government is committed to ensuring safe, reliable and affordable electricity for the people through necessary infrastructure development and enhanced technical capacity,” he said.

Describing nuclear power as a significant milestone for Bangladesh, Iqbal Hassan said public safety must remain the highest priority.

“Nuclear power is extremely important for us, but it involves advanced technology and complex engineering systems. Therefore, maximum preparedness and caution are essential,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that a number of unnecessary projects in the power sector had already been identified and would be investigated.

“Those responsible for such projects will be identified and appropriate action will be taken in due course,” he said.

At the meeting, BPDB Chairman Rezaul Karim and PGCB Chief Engineer Md Monzurul Islam briefed the minister on the country's current power transmission and distribution capacity, existing challenges and ongoing development initiatives.

Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh was also present.