Rampal power plant and relevant technology

---

Lutfor Rahman During the past few years, people suffered a lot due to shortage of electricity in urban as well as rural areas. They are now habituated to use electricity. Life becomes a hell without it. At the beginning of the century, electricity was not as important as it is now. But things have changed. People have become dependent on technology. We use modern gadgets everywhere at home and office alike. There are various processes of generation of electricity such as hydroelectric, thermal, solar, wind, nuclear and many others. Various effects and conditions are involved with the systems such as temperature, climate, societal, environmental, ecological balance and so many others. Considering all factors and financial aspects, a decision is taken by the government according to the needs of the localities and people. Hydro-electric power plant was set up a long time ago in 1962 at Kaptai, Chittagong and recently a nuclear power plant (NPP) has been inaugurated at Rooppur, Pabna. Initiative has also been taken to establish a thermal power plant at Rampal, Bagerhat in southwest of Bangladesh. The processes of producing electricity in three regions East, North and South-West are entirely different from one another. Different technologies including smart and super technologies are expected to be used in the new plants. It is a remarkable advancement for Bangladesh towards the new technological era. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recently said the Rampal thermal power plant would operate using modern technology and would not harm the country's lone mangrove forest. She said the power station will be built after safeguarding the Sundarbans' ecology. She has also said more coal-based power stations with 6,600 MW capacity would be set up gradually in the country. People from different quarters including the leader of the opposition are protesting the planned construction of the Rampal power project because of its possible adverse effects on the Sundarbans. Every citizen of a democratic country has a right to criticise the government activities particularly on national issues like the electricity generation projects and suggest alternatives. They have taken it politically. This writer strongly believes the issue is more scientific than political. So the country's scientists and technologists need to come forward to discuss this national issue in order to present the real picture. The writer is a nuclear physicist and Professor at Stamford University [email protected]