Nuclear power as a tool for sustainable development in energy sector in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a fast developing country and it is one of the densely populated nations not in Asia but all around the globe. In Bangladesh, per capita electricity generation is very low as compared to other developing country, which is about 321 KWH. Emphasis on maintaining high GDP growth primarily accounts for the energy shortage in Bangladesh as it increases demand through high-energy consumption industries. Converting primary energy to electricity is one of the biggest challenges that Bangladesh is facing right now. Still now, energy sector of Bangladesh is highly reliant on natural gas. About 89% electricity is now produced by natural gas. In 2025, electricity demand will be about 25000MW. This amount cannot be supplied by natural gas, oil, due to fuel cost and availability of fuel. This paper presents a study in energy sector in Bangladesh and the necessity of nuclear power in future. This study also tries to find ways for increasing efficiency and reducing electricity generation cost in Bangladesh. Though nuclear power plants need high capital cost, its generation costs are stable and predictable and also it is cheap to operate. It can also be considered as a renewable energy. For sustainable development in energy sector along with finding a power source that is stable, cost effective and will be able to meet the future demand, nuclear power source may be one of the best options Bangladesh has right now.