Rooppur Reaches Readiness for Power Generation
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project in Ishwardi, Pabna, is now on the verge of initiating electricity generation from its first unit. The commissioning of the main and auxiliary transformers has been completed, marking the final stages of preparation for connecting the plant to the national grid.
As Bangladesh's first nuclear power facility, the Rooppur plant is poised to integrate with the national grid, a milestone confirmed by Russian state contractor Rosatom through a press note issued on Saturday, June 29.
Alexey Deriy, Vice President of ASE, the engineering division of Rosatom for the Bangladesh project, remarked, “This is the result of combined effort and dedication from all involved. Despite complex logistics and climatic challenges, the team executed the task excellently. This step is crucial for the safe and reliable operation of the unit.”
According to the press note, the main set-up transformers will convert the 24 kV electricity generated by the turbine generator into 400 kV, which is essential for grid transmission. Each transformer has a capacity of up to 1,599 MW—well above the unit’s 1,200 MW production—allowing for uninterrupted and even surplus power transmission. Each transformer phase weighs approximately 400 tons, with over 150 kilometers of cable used for the connections.
In addition, the auxiliary transformers, which power the unit's internal systems, have also been successfully commissioned. These dual-mode transformers can draw electricity from both the national grid and the generator. Previously, these systems relied on standby transformers.
Rosatom further announced that several safety-related tests, including the “hot media test,” will soon be conducted. These may produce unexpected steam release noises, which are part of the planned testing procedures and pose no risk to public safety. Rosatom emphasized, “The entire process is safe. Rosatom prioritizes safety and aims to meet all regulatory safety requirements and international standards.”
Implemented with Russian financial and technical assistance, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project comprises two VVER-1200 reactors of Generation III+, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW. Rosatom’s engineering division is serving as the general contractor for the plant, which will have a total generation capacity of 2,400 MW.
