Rooppur Ushers in a New Era of Nuclear Power in Bangladesh

Bangladesh stands at a historic turning point as fuel loading is set to begin on Tuesday (April 28) at the country’s first nuclear power plant. This marks the beginning of a gradual process that will ultimately lead to long-awaited electricity generation from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Located on the banks of the Padma River in Ishwardi, Pabna, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project has quietly been preparing for this moment for years. With fuel now set to enter the heart of the reactor, a new era of energy is about to begin for the nation.

This project is not just a power plant; it represents Bangladesh’s long-cherished vision becoming reality. It stands as a symbol of technological advancement, energy security, and sustainable development.

The plant consists of two units with a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Fuel loading will begin in the first unit, while construction of the second unit is progressing steadily. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to bring significant momentum to the country’s industrial, agricultural, and urban sectors.

The project has already created direct employment opportunities for around 2,500 people. During peak construction phases, nearly 20,000 to 25,000 workers have been engaged daily at the site.

According to the Minister for Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, around 300 megawatts of electricity from Rooppur is expected to be added to the national grid by mid-August. He further stated that the first unit is expected to supply its full 1,100 megawatt capacity to the grid by January 2027. In June of the same year, fuel loading for the second unit is expected to begin, and by September 2027, the combined output of both units is projected to reach 2,200 megawatts.

The minister expressed confidence that the project will play a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security.

Transmission line work for the first unit was completed in May last year, while construction of the second unit’s transmission line is ongoing and expected to finish by December this year, according to the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB).

International nuclear researcher and former chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Shaukat Akbar, described fuel loading as a major milestone. He said it marks the transition from construction to operational readiness.

According to him, fuel loading does not immediately mean electricity generation. Rather, it initiates a complex technical process involving controlled nuclear fission. Gradually, production capacity is increased through a series of tests, and the plant’s internal electricity needs are met during this phase. Power is not immediately supplied to the national grid.

He also noted that nuclear fuel is not affected by global geopolitical instability in the same way fossil fuels are, making nuclear energy a strong pillar of energy security.

Professor Dr. Shafiqul Islam of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Dhaka University said the Rooppur project is a major asset for Bangladesh’s energy future. He emphasized that due to fossil fuel shortages, geopolitical challenges, and environmental concerns, many developed countries are now turning to nuclear energy. He added that Bangladesh should complete this project efficiently and consider building more nuclear power plants in the future.

The reactor core will hold 163 fuel assemblies, and the loading process will take around 30 days under strict international safety protocols. After fuel loading, a physical start-up phase will begin, followed by controlled nuclear reactions and extensive testing over approximately 34 days.

Power output will then be gradually increased from 3 percent to higher levels through successive stages, taking around 40 days. Electricity supply to the national grid will begin once the reactor reaches about 3 percent capacity. Full commercial operation is expected within approximately 10 months.

The plant is designed for a 60-year operational lifespan, which may be extended by another 30 years with proper maintenance. Each fuel loading cycle is expected to last about one and a half years, after which one-third of the fuel will be replaced.

Under the construction agreement, Russia will supply nuclear fuel for the first three years. After that, Bangladesh will import fuel independently, with replacement required every two years.

Although nuclear energy often raises public concern, experts say modern nuclear plants are built with multiple layers of safety. The Rooppur plant uses third-generation reactor technology with automatic safety systems designed to respond to any emergency.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards are being strictly followed throughout the project. More than two thousand inspections and tests have already been completed before fuel loading approval was granted.

Experts emphasize that ensuring safety is now the most critical challenge as the plant moves toward operational phase.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam noted that after fuel loading, the plant becomes a fully nuclear facility and requires continuous testing and verification to ensure safety before large-scale power generation begins.

Another expert, Professor Pritom Kumar Das of Pabna University of Science and Technology, said even minor deviations under international protocols can halt such projects. He stressed that Rooppur’s long-term success depends on maintaining a “zero-error” safety standard.

He also pointed out that spent nuclear fuel can potentially be reused, which could further reduce electricity generation costs, as demonstrated in countries like India and Russia.

The idea of nuclear power in Bangladesh dates back to the 1960s. After evaluating multiple sites in 1962, Rooppur was selected as the most suitable location. A feasibility study was later conducted in 1977 by a French company, but the project was delayed due to political and economic constraints.

In 1981, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission established the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, and in 1986, a 3-megawatt research reactor was commissioned in Savar.

In 1995, nuclear energy was officially included in the national energy policy. A major milestone came in 2011 when Bangladesh and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement to construct the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. In 2015, a formal contract was signed between the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Russia’s Rosatom covering construction, equipment supply, commissioning, training, and fuel supply.

Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear energy is highly efficient. A 1,000-megawatt coal plant requires about 3 million tons of coal annually, whereas an equivalent nuclear plant requires only about 27 tons of nuclear fuel.

While gas reserves in Bangladesh are declining and imports are costly, nuclear energy offers a stable alternative. Experts believe Rooppur will play a key role in reducing energy shortages.

Globally, nuclear energy is increasingly viewed as a clean energy source due to its near-zero carbon emissions. The Rooppur plant is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to coal and gas-based power generation, contributing to climate change mitigation.

As Bangladesh prepares to enter the nuclear age, Rooppur stands as both a technological milestone and a symbol of a new energy future.