Rooppur Unit-1 Hits Major Milestone

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 has reached a major commissioning milestone, with all major tests completed and the project now awaiting a licence from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) for physics testing and physical startup. Once regulatory approval is granted, the reactor can move toward first criticality—the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. The milestone brings Bangladesh closer to the next stages of reactor power escalation, turbine synchronization and eventual grid connection.

Senior officials of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) disclosed the development on Wednesday night, October 7.

As part of the latest commissioning programme, 12 tests were successfully completed on September 30 while maintaining an operating pressure of 16.1 megapascals and a temperature of 280 degrees Celsius.

A subsequent test at 18.65 megapascals initially encountered technical problems but was later completed successfully.

The tests were conducted from both the Main Control Room and Emergency Control Room. Engineers checked pressure-control and pressure-relief systems, including valve opening and closing times, response speed, warning signals, and the pressure and temperature required for different operations.

Earlier, technical issues involving valves prompted assistance from Russian specialists. The specialists carried out necessary repairs before the relevant systems underwent further testing.

First Criticality Next

The next major milestone for Unit-1 is first criticality. This stage will establish a stable and self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction inside the reactor.

However, the reactor cannot proceed to first criticality without the required BAERA licence. Regulatory approval will allow Unit-1 to enter the next stage of its commissioning programme.

During physical startup, the reactor will initially operate at less than one percent of its rated thermal power before reaching initial criticality. The first self-sustaining chain reaction will then be established.

Engineers will closely monitor key reactor parameters, systems, safety mechanisms and control equipment. The physical startup process, including first criticality, could take around 30 to 40 days.

If the results remain satisfactory, reactor power will be gradually increased before the project moves into the power startup phase.

Path to the National Grid

The power startup phase will involve gradually increasing reactor power, synchronizing the turbine and eventually connecting the generator to the national grid.

The operating organization will require a trial operational licence from BAERA. The phase will demand highly coordinated communication among the reactor, turbine and safety systems.

It will also require strict technical and regulatory coordination with BAERA, the Ministry of Science and Technology, national grid agencies, the armed forces, security and law-enforcement agencies, nuclear emergency management authorities and other government bodies.

Project officials say Unit-1 will initially be brought to around three percent power after safe grid connection. Its output will then be gradually increased to 20–25 percent.

If those stages are completed successfully, electricity can be supplied to the national grid.

Trial generation could continue for several months after grid connection before the unit moves toward full commercial operation.

Trial electricity supply to the national grid could begin by the end of December, but the timeline remains dependent on first criticality, physics testing, power startup and the necessary regulatory approvals.

Uranium Transport Raises Security Concerns

Alongside the commissioning progress, the transportation of nuclear fuel has raised security concerns.

On October 3, uranium fuel arriving from Russia was transported from Dhaka to Rooppur in three specialized vehicles. The convoy travelled around 216 kilometres under coordinated security provided by the Army, police, security units and intelligence agencies.

Officials involved in the operation said security was strengthened and traffic was controlled along the route. Nuclear experts, however, have raised concerns over possible accident and security risks associated with road transportation.

University of Dhaka nuclear engineering professor Shafiqul Islam said nuclear fuel is transported under strict confidentiality in many countries. He argued that publicly disclosing the timing and route of such shipments could create security vulnerabilities.

He also suggested upgrading Ishwardi Airport for future nuclear-fuel transportation by air.

Ishwardi Airport is located about nine kilometres from Rooppur. A relevant official said the airport could be upgraded, although its runway and other infrastructure would need improvements to handle large aircraft.

Project Timeline and Cost

The Rooppur project was originally scheduled for completion by December 2025. Its deadline has since been extended twice to June 2028.

Although the contractor agreement does not allow the project contract price to be increased because of the extension, the taka value of the project has risen by around Tk 26,000 crore due to the depreciation of the local currency against the dollar.

The current total construction cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant stands at Tk 138,686 crore.

Completion of all major commissioning tests at Unit-1 marks a significant technological milestone for Bangladesh’s nuclear power programme. The next step is regulatory licensing for physical startup and physics testing. If those tests are successful, Unit-1 will proceed through first criticality, power startup and ultimately trial electricity supply to the national grid.

//DBTech/DFR/SVP/MSI//