Mujibur Rahman, Dhaka – Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), has begun power start-up operations at its first unit, with electricity initially being used for the plant’s internal operations. “Power start-up operations for Unit 1 commenced this morning after receiving regulatory permission on Thursday,” Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said. He said BAERA granted permission for the start-up operation on Thursday, allowing authorities to begin tests related to electricity generation.
“We seek everyone’s prayers for the successful commencement of electricity generation at the plant,” he added. The electricity currently being generated is being used for the plant’s internal activities, the chairman said.
“We are conducting turbine checks, which will continue. Once power generation reaches 300 megawatts (MW), another inspection will be carried out. If everything is found satisfactory, permission will be granted to supply electricity to the national grid,” he said.
According to the RNPP project authorities, Unit 1 must obtain another certification, known as Certification D, before its first nuclear-generated electricity can be supplied to the national grid. The project estimates that it will take approximately 15 to 20 days to reach the next stage, when electricity may be supplied to the national grid on a trial basis.
Meanwhile, Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has begun supplying nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor at Unit 2 of the Rooppur plant. According to Rosatom, Unit 2 must undergo further power-ascension tests and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before connecting to the national grid and proceeding to trial commercial operations. The development marks another significant step in Bangladesh’s long-awaited nuclear energy programme.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to diversify Bangladesh’s energy mix and strengthen the country’s long-term electricity supply security. Located in Ishwardi, Pabna, the country’s first nuclear power facility consists of two Russian-designed Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors, with a combined planned generating capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
Rosatom’s Engineering Division is serving as the project’s general designer and general contractor. Once Rooppur begins supplying electricity to the national grid, Bangladesh will join the group of nuclear power-producing countries, marking a major milestone in its energy development and technological advancement.
