“Bangladesh is set to become the world’s 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear energy.” This statement marks a significant milestone as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins its fuel loading process, aimed at enhancing the country’s energy security.
The Rooppur project, located in Bangladesh, boasts a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. It consists of two units, each capable of producing 1,200 megawatts.
By August, the plant is expected to supply approximately 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on a trial basis. Full-scale commercial generation may commence within ten months after this trial phase.
This development comes at a time when Bangladesh faces challenges in meeting its growing electricity demand. The Rooppur plant is anticipated to fulfill about 10-12 percent of the country’s electricity needs.
The financial landscape surrounding this project also reflects broader economic issues. The tax-to-GDP ratio in Bangladesh has been around 7 percent, one of the lowest in Asia. The total tax revenue stands between $35-40 billion annually.
A proposed targeted inheritance or net-wealth levy could potentially raise an additional $1.5-1.7 billion each year. However, such taxes often face public resistance; as noted, “The political case however is another matter. Inheritance tax is unpopular almost everywhere it exists.”
The International Monetary Fund projects that by 2026, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP will surpass India’s, with current figures showing that Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is nearly twice that of Assam.
The Rooppur project represents not only a leap towards energy independence but also a critical step in addressing economic disparities through improved tax policies and potential revenue increases.
