Fuel loading at Rooppur to begin on April 28
Symbolic Photo
Preparations are underway to begin fuel (uranium) loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s first nuclear power project, on April 28. The move marks a key milestone toward commissioning Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said on Friday morning that discussions have been held with relevant officials and Russian authorities. “We have finalised April 28 as the date for the fuel loading ceremony, which is an important step prior to commissioning,” he said.
He added that initial electricity generation from the first unit could begin within three months of the process, around late July or early August. At the initial stage, the plant is expected to produce around 300 megawatts of electricity, with output gradually increasing to full capacity by January 2027.
Earlier, fuel loading for the first unit was postponed on April 7 due to licensing complications.
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said that although the ministry had initially set April 7 for inauguration, several critical issues emerged. “Time was given to resolve those issues. The situation is now stable. As a result, we all agreed on fuel loading, and the license was issued on April 16,” he said.
Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) Dr Zaidul Hasan said 52 experts have successfully obtained licenses to operate the plant. “They secured the licenses after passing written, viva and simulation tests. All examinations were conducted under international standards,” he said.
He added that the tests were conducted by Russia’s regulatory body Rostekhnadzor, the internationally renowned technical institution VO Safety, experts from relevant universities, and specialists from BAERA. “The plant will be operated by these 52 licensed experts along with Russian licensed operators,” he said.
He further stated that after fuel loading, multiple stages of testing will be conducted before preparing the final safety analysis report. He noted that the commissioning phase involves strict and challenging procedures.
“If all processes are completed successfully, experimental electricity generation will begin within three months, gradually reaching full capacity. The entire process will take around 10 to 11 months,” he said.
The managing director expressed confidence that operators from NPCBL, working jointly with Russian counterparts during preparatory tests, have demonstrated the capability to run the plant successfully. He said this achievement marks a significant milestone in ensuring safe and efficient operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
He added that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is considered a transformative project for Bangladesh’s power sector and will play a key role in ensuring national energy security.
Energy experts believe that once operational, the plant will help reduce long-standing power shortages and decrease dependence on costly imported liquid fuels amid global energy market volatility.
