Energy minister orders roadmap for nuclear-ready power grid amid push for smart system upgrades

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku today (8 June) directed the heads of the country's power transmission and distribution bodies to prepare a working paper outlining the steps needed to make Bangladesh's electricity grid safer, smarter and ready to absorb nuclear power.

The instruction came at a review meeting held at the ministry, attended by the chairmen and managing directors of key power sector entities. 

The meeting examined existing transmission and distribution capabilities, identified system weaknesses, reviewed smart grid development plans and discussed the challenges of integrating nuclear power into the national grid.

The minister said Bangladesh must identify potential risks in advance and take immediate preparatory measures before nuclear power generation begins.

Emphasising the need for a National Research Centre, he said nuclear energy is a highly advanced technology that requires extensive groundwork well before operations commence.

"We have already started the process. Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) has been asked to conduct the necessary studies and prepare a concept paper. The paper will be reviewed by foreign consultants with experience in nuclear power systems, and based on their recommendations, the required upgrades to transmission and distribution networks will be completed before nuclear power comes online." he said.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing measures to facilitate grid integration of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, including primary and secondary frequency control systems.

Participants discussed key challenges such as maintaining adequate spinning reserves, expanding smart grid technologies, improving distribution systems, introducing a Distribution Management System (DMS), removing transmission bottlenecks, and managing sudden demand fluctuations caused by weather-related disruptions.

The minister instructed relevant agencies to coordinate closely and take swift action to address these issues, reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring a stable, uninterrupted and affordable power supply through infrastructure modernisation.

He noted that Bangladesh has already diversified its energy mix from gas-based generation to coal and solar power and is now preparing for nuclear energy. 

However, he stressed that proper synchronisation between generation, transmission and distribution systems is essential.

Referring to the previous Awami League government, he alleged that adequate synchronisation measures were not implemented, warning that failure to address these gaps could risk system instability.

"We held this meeting to ensure such an incident does not occur. We are working to establish a smart system to strengthen grid stability," he said.

The minister also directed the PGCB chief engineer and other officials to submit a detailed concept and working paper on smart grid development at the earliest.

He added that several "unnecessary projects" in the power sector have already been identified and that those responsible would be investigated and held accountable.

Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, PGCB Chief Engineer Md Manjurul Islam and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh were present at the meeting, where they briefed the ministry on the sector's current capacity, challenges and development plans.