Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant’s electricity may join national grid this week
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Electricity generated by the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna may be connected to the national grid on a trial basis as early as this week. If everything goes according to plan and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) grants approval, the unit could begin supplying 300 megawatts of electricity in November. However, it may take another five to six months to begin full capacity generation and supply.
Several sources involved in the project said preparations are underway to connect electricity from the country’s first nuclear power plant to the national grid on a trial basis this week, provided no technical problems or unexpected crises arise. Necessary technical activities are being carried out to facilitate the process.
The sources said various technical systems are being coordinated as part of preparations to begin trial production at the first unit. When the reactor reaches 40 percent of its thermal capacity, it will be possible to generate approximately 30 to 35 percent of its full electricity generation capacity. At this stage, around 300 megawatts of electricity could be supplied to the national grid.
After the electricity is connected to the grid, generation and supply operations will be closely monitored. Each stage of the operation will be tested over several days to identify any potential faults. If everything goes according to plan, approval will then be sought from BAERA. Once approval is obtained, the formal inauguration of the 300-megawatt electricity supply could take place.
According to sources familiar with the project, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may attend the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. Russian President Vladimir Putin may also join the event through a video conference. However, the date of the ceremony has not yet been finalized. Considering the participation of the two heads of state, an inauguration in December is being considered.
BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said it was not yet possible to confirm when electricity supply to the national grid would begin. Efforts are underway to start operations as soon as possible. Following the trial supply, every stage of electricity generation and distribution will be closely examined. The formal inauguration will take place only after it is confirmed that there are no problems.
Mahmudul Hasan also said the schedule for the inauguration ceremony would depend on when the prime minister would be available. For this reason, the date of the event has not yet been finalized.
Sources involved in the project further said that after 300 megawatts of electricity from the first unit is connected to the national grid, generation and supply will be increased gradually. It may take another five to six months to begin full capacity generation and supply all the electricity to the grid. Accordingly, although the formal inauguration of the 300-megawatt electricity supply may take place this year, the first unit could begin supplying electricity at full capacity to the national grid between April and June next year.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been built in Ishwardi, Pabna, with Russia’s latest technology as well as financial and technical assistance. The project is being implemented by Atomstroyexport, the engineering division of Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.
The plant has two units, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Once both units become operational, the facility will be capable of generating a total of 2,400 megawatts of electricity.
