Russia and China are "seriously considering" building a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface by 2035, according to the head of the Russian space agency Roskosmos. Moscow plans to contribute its expertise in "nuclear space energy" to a joint lunar program with China, including a nuclear power plant on the moon,  Russia's space agency chief Yuri Borisov said on Monday. Borisov warned that solar panels would not be enough to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to potential lunar settlements. "Today we are seriously considering a project — somewhere at the turn of 2033-2035 — to deliver and install a power unit on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues," Borisov said during a youth event. Some in the US have speculated that Russia is planning to use a new type of nuclear weapon against satellites. But the Roskosmos chief, who took over Roskosmos in 2022, insisted that Russia had no plans of stationing nuclear weapons in space. A nuclear plant on the moon would need to be made by machines, Borisov added, saying there were already usable technical solutions for the project. Space cooperation between Russia and China In March 2021, Moscow and Beijing signed an agreement on building an international lunar research station, and presented a roadmap for the construction in June 2021. China has its own lunar exploration program, with an unmanned "Chang'e-6" probe due to launch in May to collect rock samples. Meanwhile, the Russian space program has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years. Its first lunar mission in 47 years failed last year after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft went out of control and crashed. Race to put nuclear power on the moon? The concept of using nuclear reactors to power future lunar colonies has also been floated by the US space agency, NASA. Just months after the Apollo 11 mission put humans on the moon in 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts used a nuclear generator to provide electricity for scientific experiments on the moon's surface. With lunar nights lasting for 14 Earth days, relying solely on solar power carries risks for both manned and unmanned moon missions. But the issue of energy supply in space is growing even more essential as NASA pursues plans to return people to the Moon within its Artemis mission, with the first landing now scheduled for 2026.  In 2022, NASA announced it was cooperating with the US Department of Energy to select "concept proposals" for a nuclear power system "that could be ready to launch by the end of the decade." 

The government has fixed the new price of gas and electricity. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division fixed the new price of gas by issuing a notification on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 27). The State Minister of the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid confirmed the matter at the secretariat. Although the new price has been fixed, the price of gas will remain the same at the customer level. It has been increased only for power generation. However, the newly fixed price of electricity is going to be effective to the consumers from March 1.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to the people to return her party to power for a straight fourth term by casting votes in Sunday’s general election. “Today I’ve appeared before you to ask for votes in favour of the symbol, Boat,” she said in a televised address to the nation, her final campaign speech before the January 7 national election to form the country’s 12th parliament. The speech was aired at 7pm. “The call has come, it’s time to take the road”, Sheikh Hasina said quoting from poet Sunkanta Bhattacharya’s poem, Udayachal (From the east). In her over 24 minute speech, the prime minister said she is seeking another five-year term in office to make the development sustainable, work to improve people’s living standards and build a developed smart Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty. Prime Minister Hasina said during her Awami League government’s three consecutive terms (2009-2023) the country has witnessed the continuation of a “democratic trend and stability” in the process of building a people’s welfare-oriented society based on “equality and justice.” “If we can form the government again by getting your valuable votes we will be able to continue with the implementation of the programs taken by us,” she said adding that this will give “us an opportunity to further improve your living condition.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked the people of the country for allowing Awami League to serve them by voting for the Boat symbol in the past. She also said whatever she has achieved in this long journey “would not have been possible without your support.” “If I have made any mistakes along the way, my request to you is to look at the matter in the eyes of forgiveness. If I can form the government again, I will get a chance to correct the mistakes. Give me an opportunity to serve you by voting for the Boat symbol in the January 7 election,” she said. She requested the people to keep confidence in her as she considers them as her family. “Let's all make this Bangladesh a smart Sonar Bangla and fulfill the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she appealed to the people. The prime minister urged all political parties and institutions that believe in democracy and the rule of law not to pamper and fuel any idiosyncratic ideas that will disrupt the constitutional process of the country. The ruling party chief said that her party is expecting a free, fair and impartial election on Sunday. In this connection, she said that this is the first time in Bangladesh that the Election Commission has been formed under a law passed by the parliament. “The Election Commission has been given financial independence. The administration and law enforcement agencies are now placed under the Election Commission,” she said. The prime minister also said that the Election Commissiom is conducting the election independently. “Our government is giving all kinds of support to the Election Commission for conducting fair and peaceful elections,” she said. She mentioned the Awami League is a party of the mass people and whenever it comes to power it ensures the economic and social development of the country. The government has ensured food, safety, health services, housing, education, and employment to the people besides making massive infrastructure development, she said. Talking about her party’s election manifesto, Hasina mentioned 12 priorities for the socio-economic development of the country. These are: 1. To protect and promote the practice of democratic systems at all levels. 2. Making every effort to keep prices within the purchasing power of all. 3. Ensuring employability education and youth employment. 4. Building smart Bangladesh based on modern technology. 5. Mechanization of integrated agricultural systems with the aim of increasing production and taking measures to preserve the products. 6. Establishment of agricultural products and food processing industries. 7. To create employment opportunities by developing infrastructure and industries up to the village level. 8. To increase efficiency and capacity of the bank, insurance and financial sector. 9. Making health services affordable to low-income people. 10. To ensure individual and social security by including all in the universal pension system. 11. Making law enforcement agencies efficient in the use of modern technology and ensuring their accountability. 12. Elimination of communalism as well as all forms of terrorism and militancy. Briefly describing the overall development of the country in the last 15 years, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the growth reached 7.25%, per capita income increased five times, budget size increased 12 times and the Annual Development Program increased 13 times, GDP size increased 12 times, foreign exchange reserve increased 36 times, export earnings increased five times, annual remittance increased six times, foreign investment increased six times. Wages of workers increased nine times, foreign exchange reserve increased 36 times while export earnings increased five times, she noted. She also mentioned that the poverty rate declined from 41.51%to 18.7% while the extreme poverty rate reduced by five times. Drinking water coverage increased from 55% to 98.8%. Sanitary latrines increased from 43.28% to 97.32% Infant mortality decreased from 84 per thousand to 21. Maternal mortality decreased from 360 per 100,000 to 156. The average human lifespan is 72.8 years now. The prime minister said that power generation capacity increased eight times in the last 15 years while the electricity consumption rate increased from 28% to 100%. Literacy rate increased to 76.8% while 22 times enhancement in technical education. The grain production increased four times, she added. She said that there is a huge difference between Bangladesh 15 years ago and today's Bangladesh. People's quality of life has improved. People today dream of a better life. Turning to her foreign policy Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh wants peace and shuns war. “We want an end to the wars in Palestine and Ukraine. We want an end to the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Bangladesh is always with the people of Palestine,” she said.

Another unsolicited proposal from a Chinese company to build a floating solar plant on Malwathu Oya is currently under evaluation by the Irrigation Ministry, The Sunday Morning learns. It is reliably learnt that the proposal had been submitted to the ministry last week. When contacted, Irrigation Ministry Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal confirmed to The Sunday Morning that the ministry had received a proposal for a floating solar plant on Malwathu Oya and that it was currently under evaluation. “We have installed hydropower plants in almost all reservoirs and only Uma Oya is pending. Now we are trying to install floating solar on reservoirs,” he said. Jayalal explained further that the ministry would evaluate the feasibility of the proposals received for installing floating solar panels on reservoirs. “Currently, one solar project is being carried out by the Ministry of Power at the Samanalawewa reservoir,” he said. This development occurs against a backdrop of vehement opposition from engineers affiliated with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), who strongly oppose the consideration of unsolicited proposals, particularly those related to renewable energy, including solar. The spotlight was focused on the two proposed projects for Samanalawewa and Poonakary. Recently, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU), in a letter written to CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing evaluation of renewable energy projects involving private sector participation. The CEBEU has insisted that they should align with regional standards, be cost-effective, and avoid exorbitant profits for developers.  Furthermore, the union has expressed uncertainty about the technical compliance of a proposed 700 MW solar power project with 2,500 MWh batteries in Poonakary, emphasising on the need for a thorough assessment. In such a backdrop, energy expert Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya urged the Government to opt for competitive bidding in all renewable energy projects. “The renewable lobby has halted competitive bidding. Either Sri Lanka should adopt competitive bidding for all renewable energy projects or our economy is finished,” he told The Sunday Morning. Referring to the recent project proposed for Poonakary, Dr. Siyambalapitiya stated that the project was not viable for Sri Lanka. “The project may be viable for the investor, but how can it be viable for Sri Lanka? If we consider rooftop solar at Rs. 30, here we are discussing a massive-scale solar park and the price must be half that,” he stressed.  When contacted by The Sunday Morning, CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon said that he was not aware of any proposed project for Malwathu Oya.  He also reiterated the importance of adhering to the solar expansion plan issued by the CEB, stating: “Projects have to come either through the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) or the CEB.”   Source: the morning

The nuclear fuel hand over ceremony (graduation ceremony) for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has started at the plant site on Wednesday, October 05. The two leaders are joined virtually to the handover event of the Certificate and Model of Nuclear Fuel. Science and Technology Affairs Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman is  present at the function as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi is attended the event virtually. Director General of ROSATOM, Russian Federation Alexei Likhachev also present at Rooppur site.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and Economic Relations Division secretary Sharifa Khan signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance Yen loan of Japan to Bangladesh on Saturday. The second installment of the 44th Japanese Yen Loan Package is 247.556 billion yen (approximately USD 1.67billion). Based on this agreement between the two counties, Mr. ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office and Ms. Sharifa Khan signed a relevant Loan Agreements.  "I’m pleased to be able to sign the Exchange of Notes with regard to 44th Japanese Yen Loan Package today. The loan package includes the "Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal- Fired Power Project (VII)". "The Project therefore contributes to meeting the growing electricity demand and diversifying energy sources. At the Japan-Bangladesh Summit in April 2023, the progress of the development project in the Southern Chattogram area, which includes the project, was welcomed by our leaders, and continued cooperation in the development of the area was confirmed. It is also important in terms of connectivity with northeastern India. I spare no effort in extending further cooperation to the Government and the people of Bangladesh to build a win-win partnership, now that is the “Strategic Partnership”, for our prosperous future.", said Ambassador IWAMA at the signing ceremony.

Water delivery in the city was hampered on Monday due to a power outage at Karachi's Dhabeji pumping station, ARY News reported. The Dhabeji pumping station, which is responsible for supplying water to all of Karachi, experienced a power outage, which means that Karachi's residents may face water scarcity. According to a Water Corporation spokesperson, the 72-inch diameter line, known as line number 5, is impacted by the power outage, according to ARY News. According to the spokesperson, representatives from the water corporation are on the scene and thoroughly inspecting the affected line in an effort to pinpoint the source of the issue. Bulkwater Corporation's chief engineer confirmed that actions are being taken to repair the damaged pipe in order to mitigate any potential inconvenience for city residents caused by the water supply outage, as reported by ARY News. The city's water supply has been switched to alternative lines, according to the chief engineer, while the damaged pipe is being repaired. Pakistan, which is already reeling from a power crisis, will now face a water crisis in parts of Karachi.

Water delivery in the city was hampered on Monday due to a power outage at Karachi's Dhabeji pumping station, ARY News reported. The Dhabeji pumping station, which is responsible for supplying water to all of Karachi, experienced a power outage, which means that Karachi's residents may face water scarcity. According to a Water Corporation spokesperson, the 72-inch diameter line, known as line number 5, is impacted by the power outage, according to ARY News. According to the spokesperson, representatives from the water corporation are on the scene and thoroughly inspecting the affected line in an effort to pinpoint the source of the issue. Bulkwater Corporation's chief engineer confirmed that actions are being taken to repair the damaged pipe in order to mitigate any potential inconvenience for city residents caused by the water supply outage, as reported by ARY News. The city's water supply has been switched to alternative lines, according to the chief engineer, while the damaged pipe is being repaired. Pakistan, which is already reeling from a power crisis, will now face a water crisis in parts of Karachi.

A ground-breaking energy collaboration is poised to reshape the power dynamics of South Asia. Nepal, Bangladesh, and India have inked a historic tripartite agreement which was fortified during Nepalese Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal's recent visit to India in June 2023. This pact unlocks the potential for hydroelectricity from Nepal to flow to Bangladesh via India's robust transmission infrastructure. Amidst Bangladesh's recurring blackouts due to currency limitations impeding fuel imports, this alliance provides a lifeline. In tandem, Nepal's surplus hydroelectricity harnesses at 97% capacity will find a much-needed outlet. India is an instrumental collaborator in this transformative journey with its ambition to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. The high-voltage transmission line, sponsored by the Asian Development Bank, links Bheramara in Bangladesh with Baharampur in India, marking a pivotal stride towards cross-border electricity exchange. Its establishment augments regional energy security, especially relevant in today's energy-insecure world. This joint initiative symbolises mutual understanding and neighbourly collaboration. It beckons an era of seamless cross-border energy transmission underscores the paramount importance of united efforts in enhancing regional stability and shared prosperity.  The power-sharing agreement between India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is set to transform the energy scenario of the South Asian region. The three countries recently concluded a tripartite agreement that will enable the transfer of hydroelectricity from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid and transmission lines. The deal came to fruition when the Nepalese Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal last visited India in June 2023. After the meeting with his Indian counterpart, Indian PM Narendra Modi allowed the use of the Indian transmission line to boost energy connectivity within the South Asian region.  Bangladesh is facing frequent blackouts as it is faced with the problem of depleting foreign exchange reserves which is making the import of fuels difficult for the country. On the other hand, Nepal is blessed with surplus hydroelectricity, nearly 30 per cent more than its domestic requirement, during the wet season and is therefore seeking to sell the excess power to Bangladesh. Since there is an absence of any grid connectivity between    the two countries, both countries sought India’s help, which India as a good friend and neighbour to both the countries, readily agreed to.  The power companies from the three countries – Bangladesh, Nepal, and India –  Bangladesh Power Development Board, Nepal Electricity Authority, and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), respectively, have entered into a collaboration for cross-border power trading using the Bahrampur-Bheramara high voltage line.  This high voltage transmission line, connecting Bangladesh’s western electrical grid at Bheramara with India’s eastern grid at Bahrampur. After the conclusion of this tripartite agreement, this Asian Development Bank-funded USD 193 million high voltage line will pave the way for cross-border electricity trade. Notwithstanding this line, Bangladesh and Nepal are already considering a transmission line through India that will solely be dedicated for the bilateral electricity trade between Nepal and Bangladesh.  It is important for Nepal to be able to transfer its surplus electricity to prevent, or at least reduce, the wastage. With a total installed capacity of 2,600 MW, Nepal produces over 97 per cent of its electricity through hydropower. At present, Nepal is exporting around 450 MW of its electricity to India. But Nepal has been increasing its hydropower output to meet the electricity demand for dry season. This increased output turns into surplus power during the wet season which Nepal needs to export, and thus in search of a market. With a power-sharing agreement with India already in place, Nepal sought to export some of the excess power to Bangladesh.   Bangladesh, on the other hand, is seeking electricity to meet the shortfall in its own power generation and fulfil the power demand of the country. However, in the near future Bangladesh needs to make a seamless transition from conventional sources of energy to    renewable energy source. This is necessary to ensure not only its energy security but also for long-term sustainability. In the aftermath of the breaking out of Russia-Ukraine crisis, developing and least-developed countries have been facing a looming threat of energy insecurity. Given the context of this war, cross-border energy cooperation and rejuvenating the idea of a power corridor is necessary for Bangladesh to mitigate its power crisis.  Since Nepal is a land-locked country, Nepal’s plan to export its surplus power to Bangladesh would require India’s assistance and support. In the initial phase, Bangladesh and Nepal have decided to trade about 40 to 50 MW of electricity using cross-border power transmission link facilitated by India. As per the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) of India, it is allowed to do cross-border trade where India’s involvement is present. A specific provision of the tripartite agreement allows the Indian authority to become a party to the bilateral framework through signing of an agreement between the Government of India and the governments of the respective countries.  Since India itself is looking to transition to a Green India through a focus on renewable energy production with a goal of generating 500 GW from non-fossil sources and use 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, India can use the power corridor of Bangladesh to reduce the cost of power generation. Bangladesh itself is looking to get a power mix of 40 per cent from renewable sources by 2050 from the present 3 per cent mix.  This tripartite agreement is therefore going to usher in an era of cross-border power transmission in a seamless manner that will boost energy security in the South Asian region. This cooperation augurs well for the entire region as evidence of collaboration among neighbours for the mutual benefit of all.   In conclusion, the tripartite power-sharing agreement among India, Bangladesh, and Nepal stands as a transformative milestone in reshaping the energy scenario of South Asia. This collaborative effort addresses critical energy challenges faced by Bangladesh while providing Nepal with a valuable outlet for its surplus hydroelectricity. India's role as a facilitator and collaborator in this venture through its formidable transmission network underlines its commitment to renewable energy goals. The establishment of the Asian Development Bank-funded high-voltage transmission line between Bheramara and Baharampur further strengthens the regional energy infrastructure, enhancing energy security in a volatile global energy context. This initiative embodies the spirit of cooperation among neighbouring nations, setting a precedent for mutual prosperity and sustainability. As the world grapples with energy insecurity, this partnership signifies a beacon of hope and regional stability. It underscores the necessity of cross-border energy cooperation and the potential for collaborative endeavours to address energy crises. Ultimately, it exemplifies the power of unity in advancing shared goals and securing the energy future of South Asia. Dr Maheep is a leading analyst of India’s Foreign Policy. He is the Principal investigator of a National Project on India’s Soft Power Diplomacy

A fire and explosions at a substation in southern Iraq briefly led to a complete power grid shutdown on Saturday, and caused longer-term disturbances to supply in central and southern parts of the country.  The outage comes amid peak summer demand, with scorching temperatures across most of the country. Weather forecasts expect peak temperatures near 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) consistently in the coming days.  It also took place on the Shiite religious holiday of Ashoura amid many public gatherings.  Electricity is a sensitive issue in Iraq — a country with vast oil reserves but a dilapidated power grid incapable of meeting peak demand. Outages lasting hours are commonplace every summer.  Protests about the patchy supply are by no means unheard of — the most recent took place this month.  What happened and where?  A fire broke out at the Al-Bkir substation in Basra and resulted in the separation of transmission lines linking southern and central regions, leading to a complete shutdown of the electrical system in the area, Iraq's Ministry of Electricity said in a statement. It said the fire was accidental.  "The power grid experienced a total shutdown on Saturday at 12:40 p.m. (0940 GMT/UTC) due to a fire that affected a transmission substation in Basra province," the ministry said.  Ministry spokesman Ahmed Moussa told the AFP news agency that at some point the incident affected main supply to "all of Iraq."  "Speedy repairs are under way ... to gradually restart the power plants and transmission lines," the ministry said.  Iraq can't meet peak summer demand in searing heat Rolling power cuts hit Iraq each summer and can last up to 10 hours a day.  Many households subscribe to neighborhood generators for emergency supply, if they can afford it. But the generators often don't provide sufficient power to operate high-energy equipment like air conditioning units, highly sought after in temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius.  Peak summer demand reaches more than 32,000 megawatts a day in Iraq. The country is trying to expand its capacity, and according to the electricity ministry, this year it reached a new high of 26,000 megawatts a day.