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