Enhancing energy security in Bangladesh through small modular reactor integration: A geographical, industrial and demand-based perspective

Small modular reactors (SMRs) can play a pivotal role in fulfilling Bangladesh’s ever-rising energy demands while addressing critical environmental concerns. This study seeks to explore the possibility of deploying SMRs in Bangladesh, with a focus on geographic, industrial and electricity demand factors. Analysis of division-wise power demand and load-shedding data from 2022 to 2023 indicates that SMRs with an electrical output of approximately 300 MW, either individually or in parallel, could be deployed in various administrative divisions, where daily load-shedding ranged from 110 to 500 MW (with the highest demand in the capital Dhaka). Additionally, the eight export processing zones (EPZs) in the country, which currently consume around 297 MW electricity, could also benefit from the installation of small and micro-modular reactors tailored to their energy needs. The country currently imports 2656 MW power from India, a portion of which could be replaced with domestically generated electricity from SMRs, thus enhancing national energy self-sufficiency. Furthermore, local industrial hubs and remote areas disconnected from the grid, such as coastal islands, wetlands and the Chittagong hill tracts, stand to benefit significantly from SMR deployment. The selection of specific SMR technologies will hinge on factors such as availability, technological advancements, national infrastructural development, financing/costs and the active engagement of both government and stakeholders.