Bangladesh sees maritime potential of advanced nuclear technology at ATLAS meet

Bangladesh sees potential for advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to be used in maritime settings, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said today (26 August).

Speaking at the opening ministerial session of the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) 2026 in Washington DC, he said emerging applications of advanced nuclear technology at sea could open new opportunities for Bangladesh.

He stressed the need for safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy to address climate change, strengthen energy security and support sustainable economic development, according to a press release issued by the ministry.

The first ATLAS ministerial-level event brought together Bangladesh and representatives from 19 other countries. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also addressed the opening session.

Anam said Bangladesh was committed to contributing to global discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, particularly as new maritime applications of advanced nuclear technologies emerge.

"Advanced nuclear technologies and small modular reactors can play an important role in meeting future energy demand," he said.

He also said such technologies could provide reliable, low-carbon electricity while contributing to poverty reduction, economic growth and improved living standards.

Bangladesh welcomed the inclusion of nuclear energy in the outcome of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement and supported the initiative to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, he added.

Bangladesh's energy challenge

Highlighting the country's energy situation, Anam said Bangladesh, a densely populated country with limited domestic energy resources, faces the challenge of meeting rising energy demand while ensuring energy security and dealing with the impacts of climate change.

Diversifying the country's energy sources and expanding the use of clean energy were therefore important, he added.

The minister also highlighted progress in Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, saying the physical start-up of Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant marked an important stage in the country's development of nuclear power.

Rooppur, the country's first nuclear power plant, represents a "historic" step towards a cleaner and more reliable energy future, he said.

At the same time, Bangladesh remains fully aware of the responsibilities associated with nuclear energy, particularly the need to maintain the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards when deploying innovative reactor technologies, the minister said.

He called for stronger international cooperation to ensure the timely and safe deployment of advanced SMR technologies, including floating nuclear power plants.

Such cooperation should cover technology and knowledge exchange, policy, regulatory frameworks, safety and capacity building, he added.

Exploring nuclear technology at sea

Describing ATLAS as an important international initiative, Anam said it brings policymakers, scientists, regulators, industry representatives and other stakeholders together to address issues surrounding the use of nuclear technology in maritime settings.

The initiative could help turn the potential of a civil nuclear maritime industry into reality, he added.

Bangladesh is interested in continuing its cooperation with the IAEA's ATLAS initiative to explore opportunities in the civil nuclear maritime sector while maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and international safeguards, the minister said.

He also said international cooperation, knowledge and technology exchange, and responsible use of nuclear technology could help build a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future for present and future generations.