Climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today. Most countries today have set a goal to achieve ‘net zero carbon emissions. Net zero means a state where the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by human activities is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in emissions.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, emit greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, making them one of the main drivers of global temperature rise, which results in rising sea levels, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and health risks, among others.
Against this backdrop, the world is desperately looking for an alternative energy source that is capable of generating power with very low carbon emissions and can significantly aid in addressing climate change. Experts believe that nuclear energy can be a key potential source of clean and renewable energy that the world is emphasizing. Nuclear power has already proved itself as an effective and reliable source of energy that can help reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming.
The process of generating electricity from nuclear power emits almost zero carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. Since nuclear plants emit negligible amounts of carbon dioxide, they are effective in slowing down the pace of global warming. Increasing the share of nuclear power in electricity generation reduces dependency on fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants ensure a stable and long-term electricity supply and pose fewer risks compared to other energy sources. In the Bangladesh context, it can also reduce dependence on imported oil, supporting both national energy security and climate policies in the long run.
Globally, the use of nuclear energy is increasing. Among the regions seeing the fastest growth in nuclear power plant development is Asia. Although Bangladesh has had little role in contributing to climate change, it is one of the countries that faces the most risks from its impacts. If used properly, nuclear energy could be considered a sustainable and reliable energy source in Bangladesh.
With financial and technical assistance from Russia, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant is being built at Rooppur in Pabna. The project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom is implementing the plant. Rosatom is using the latest 3+ generation technology, which is recognized as the safest in the world. The Rooppur project is being implemented under the supervision and guidance of the global nuclear watchdog- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Plant consists of two units of 1,200 megawatts each, for a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts. The construction of the first unit is complete and is currently undergoing testing. It is expected that the first unit will start generating electricity by the end of the current year or in the first part of next year, followed by the second unit the year after.
Bangladesh and Russia are also in talks to build two more units of similar capacity adjacent to the current Rooppur plant. Project officials believe that if this happens, the construction costs for the new units would be significantly lower than before.
Net Zero target and the role of nuclear energy
Since the Industrial Revolution, greenhouse gas emissions have increased significantly, resulting in a global temperature rise and a subsequent threat to humanity. Immediate and effective actions are necessary to tackle the climate change issues.
A large portion of global carbon emissions comes from the power generation sector. Currently, energy production is heavily reliant on coal, oil, and natural gas. Although renewable energy sources like solar and wind are notable, their output is weather-dependent and lacks consistency. These limitations highlight nuclear energy as an important alternative.
To achieve net zero, nuclear energy is a highly valuable tool. However, risks and costs must be considered. With time, the nuclear sector has adopted modern, advanced, and safer technologies, significantly minimizing associated risks. Through technological advancement and robust safety measures, nuclear energy can play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands while also helping reduce the impacts of climate change. The world is now viewing nuclear energy not just as a means of power generation but also as a strategy for reducing carbon emissions.
Fossil fuels vs. nuclear energy
‘Coal-based power plants’ emit 820 to 1,050 grams of carbon dioxide per unit of electricity produced. In addition, they release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and ash, causing severe air and water pollution. This leads to acid rain, respiratory diseases, and accelerates climate change. Coal is widely recognized as the most polluting fuel source globally.
‘Oil-based power plants’ emit slightly less carbon dioxide than coal, between 650 to 930 grams per unit of electricity. However, this is still a significant amount. These plants also emit sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and oil spills during transport can cause severe environmental damage, threatening marine biodiversity.
‘Gas-based power plants’ emit 450 to 550 grams of carbon dioxide per unit of electricity. Though less polluting than coal and oil, they still pose environmental risks. While these fuels have lower sulfur content, they emit methane, which has a global warming potential 25 times higher than carbon dioxide. Despite lower air pollution, they still contribute significantly to greenhouse gas effects.
In contrast, nuclear power plants have extremely low emissions just ‘10 to 20 grams of carbon dioxide per unit of electricity, comparable to solar and wind energy, causing minimal impact on air pollution.
Compared to fossil fuels, a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant helps avoid the emission of about 5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
According to various sources, existing nuclear power plants worldwide prevent at least 470 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually**, which is equivalent to removing 400 million cars from the road.
The OECD‑NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency), in a joint report with IEA/NEA, estimates that if nuclear capacity is tripled by 2050, nuclear energy could avoid around 5 Gt of CO₂ emissions per year by mid-century
However, nuclear energy production does generate high-level radioactive waste, which is extremely harmful to living beings and nature. Although strict safety measures are enforced to prevent radiation leakage, ensure safe long-term waste management, and address investment challenges. With the right policies and technology, nuclear power can play a major role in combating climate change.
Global rise of nuclear power use
The use of nuclear energy as a safe, clean, and sustainable alternative is rising globally. Beyond electricity, it is also being used in health, agriculture, and food sectors. But its primary use remains in electricity generation.
According to a recent report by the World Nuclear Association (WNA), around 2,667 terawatt-hours of electricity were generated last year from about 440 nuclear reactors worldwide, meeting approximately 9% of the world’s total electricity demand.
The association’s Director General, Sama Bilbao y León, described this as a new record for nuclear power generation, stating that it shows the industry has advanced significantly. She added that this record must continue to grow each year to safeguard global energy and climate security.
According to the World Nuclear Performance Report 2025, 2024 saw the highest-ever electricity production from nuclear sources.
In Asia, the number of both large and small nuclear power plants is increasing rapidly. Out of the 68 reactors launched globally in the past decade, 56 were built in Asian countries. Among the 70 reactors currently under construction worldwide, 59 are in Asia. This data indicates a future acceleration in nuclear power generation.
The WNA also reports that coal and gas are still the largest sources of global electricity production. Since nuclear power plants do not emit any greenhouse gases during operation, they are considered a clean energy source.
Nuclear energy first emerged as a topic of discussion in the 1930s, when scientists realized the potential to generate vast amounts of energy through nuclear fission. However, peaceful uses of nuclear energy began in the 1950s, when several countries started using nuclear power for electricity generation and other research purposes.
