Radioactive Waste Management and Safety Frameworks for VVER-1200 Reactors at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: A Comprehensive Review

Bangladesh's entry into the nuclear age with the construction of its first commercial nuclear power project, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), featuring two Generation III+ VVER-1200 units supplied by the Russian Federation, is a significant step towards achieving energy security. However, this significant technological advancement necessitates the parallel establishment of robust, internationally compliant strategies for the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste (RW). This comprehensive review systematically synthesizes the proposed and implemented approaches for RW treatment, disposal, and regulatory oversight at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, providing a critical analysis of the country's "National Policy on Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel Management-2019" and associated bilateral agreements. The primary finding highlights the strategic success of the policy, which mandates the repatriation of all high-level waste (Spent Nuclear Fuel, SNF) back to Russia, thereby eliminating the nation's most significant long-term nuclear liability. This agreement effectively offloads the burden of managing an estimated 50-60 tons of highly radioactive waste annually (fuel inventory and discharge estimates commensurate with 2.4 GWe plant capacity). Conversely, the review focuses on the domestic challenge of managing Low and Intermediate-Level Waste (LILW), examining the specialized technical systems for treating solid radioactive waste (SRW), liquid radioactive waste (LRW), and gaseous waste, including solidification processes and interim storage plans. Furthermore, the paper critically outlines the required strengthening of the regulatory framework under the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) and identifies critical long-term gaps. These gaps include the absence of a formalized repository for final disposal of Low and Intermediate-Level Waste, the need for fully capitalized financial assurance funds, and the necessity for sustained investment in institutional capacity and human resources. This review contributes a vital synthesis to the literature on nuclear new build programs, particularly for developing nations, by detailing strategic solutions and outlining the immediate technical, regulatory, and financial priorities required to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.