Fuel Loading at Rooppur Nuclear Plant Delayed Over Fire Safety Licensing Issues
The historic fuel loading (uranium) for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has been delayed due to licensing complications regarding fire safety. Originally scheduled for April 7, the inauguration—which was to be virtually joined by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Russian President Vladimir Putin—is now uncertain following technical observations.
On Wednesday (April 1), Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed that the fuel loading cannot proceed as planned because the necessary clearance from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has not been secured. The delay is primarily attributed to additional inspections required for the fire-fighting and fire-measurement systems.
Context and Technical Hurdles
Sources indicate that the uranium rods for the first unit arrived from Russia nearly two years ago. Engineers and representatives from Rosatom worked through the Eid holidays to finalize preparations. However, an extensive inspection conducted between November 7 and 20 by BAERA and Russia’s 'VO Safety' identified 257 specific observations.
Dr. Zahedul Hassan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), stated that while many issues have been addressed, some required re-testing and additional assessments. Specifically, the Fire Fighting Department has requested further inspections before the final license can be issued.
Safety Oversight and Future Outlook
The delay has caused some unease within the Ministry of Science and Technology, as high-level meetings continued late into Tuesday night. However, the consensus remains that no fuel will be loaded without full authorization from the independent regulatory body under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Mahmudul Hasan, Chairman of BAERA, emphasized that the shift in the timeline—described as "only for a few days"—is essential to ensure maximum safety. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the highest security standards," he stated.
Project Status at a Glance:
Unit 1: Construction is complete; currently awaiting fuel loading and physical startup. Commercial operation is now targeted for December 2027.
Unit 2: Under construction; expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Total Capacity: Unit 1 will generate 1,200 MW, with an additional 1,200 MW from Unit 2 expected to join the national grid by the end of 2028.
Implemented with financial and technical assistance from the Russian Federation, the mega-project has previously faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Officials remain hopeful that the fire safety observations will be resolved quickly, allowing for a new inauguration date to be announced soon.
DBTECH/DHE/MUM
