Rooppur receives approval to begin nuclear reaction
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has finally received official authorization for controlled nuclear reaction. File photo.
After long anticipation and overcoming numerous obstacles, controlled nuclear reaction in the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has finally received official authorization.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted this approval on Thursday, October 8. Before power generation can commence, this critical phase is known as "first criticality."
Confirming the development to Agamir Somoy, BAERA Chairman Md. Muzammel Haque said that two additional regulatory approvals will still be required before electricity can be added to the national grid.
Project officials revealed that approval for the plant's first unit had been delayed due to technical complications involving the automated power-operated relief valves (PORV/POSV) of the safety system. A team of experts from Russia resolved the issue using various specialized techniques, and the system successfully passed subsequent performance tests. As a result, experimental electricity supply to the national grid is now projected for late December.
According to sources, achieving "first criticality" was the project's single largest hurdle. With BAERA's authorization, a stable, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction will now begin inside the reactor. This officially transitions the facility from a static structure into an active operational nuclear installation.
During the physical start-up stage, the reactor will be operated at less than 1% of its full rated thermal capacity to achieve initial criticality. The reactor's key parameters, safety systems, and control equipment will be closely monitored and verified throughout this phase. The entire physical start-up process, including first criticality, is expected to take approximately 30 to 40 days. If the test results prove satisfactory, the reactor’s output capacity will be ramped up incrementally.
Once the physical start-up is complete, the project will transition into the "power start-up" phase. This step involves gradually raising reactor power, synchronizing the turbine, and ultimately connecting the generator to the national grid. To proceed, the operating organization must secure a trial operational license from BAERA.
The power start-up phase involves significant technical and organizational challenges. It demands seamless real-time coordination among the plant’s internal operations—the reactor, turbine, and safety systems—alongside strict technical and regulatory synchronization with external agencies.
Project officials noted that after power generation commences, capacity will initially be brought to 3%, followed by progressive increases to 20–30%, at which point trial power feed into the national grid becomes feasible. Experimental production is expected to run continuously for 7 to 8 months once initialized.
When electricity officially begins flowing into the national power grid, Bangladesh will become the 33rd nuclear power-producing nation in the world, marking a major milestone in the country's energy security and scientific advancement.
