Controlled Nuclear Reaction Begins This Sunday

Advancing to the high-tech frontier of nuclear engineering, Bangladesh stands on the verge of a historic scientific breakthrough as the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant initiates its initial controlled fission reaction this Sunday. The critical technical milestone, recognized across global nuclear physics as "First Criticality," marks the formal commencement of chain reactions necessary for zero-carbon base-load electricity generation.

Regulatory clearance was formalized on 08 October, Thursday, when Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted the indispensable physics test permit. On that day, BAERA Chairman M Mahmudul Hassan formally handed over the operational physics test licensing documents to Dr. M Moinul Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, alongside Dr. Zahedul Hassan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL).

BAERA Chairman M Mahmudul Hassan confirmed that authorization was sanctioned only after verifying rigorous multi-layer radiological and physical safety compliance. Moving into commercial synchronization will require two additional operational clearance certifications. Commission officials informed the press that necessary technical configurations are underway to initiate the chain reaction by 11 October, Sunday, though comprehensive diagnostics may adjust schedules marginally to preserve zero-risk operational tolerance.

Project engineers revealed that licensing had faced delays caused by functional complications in the reactor's high-pressure relief safety valve systems (PORV/POSV). A specialized technical mission from Russia intervened to execute complex mechanical restorations, subsequently passing multiple high-stress performance validations to greenlight the reactor core for activation.

During the First Criticality phase, controlled neutron moderation will occur at minimal energy output to calibrate control rods, core instrumentation, cooling loops, and automated shutdown arrays. The entire stabilization cycle will span 30 to 40 days, during which turbine synchronization and secondary circuits will be tested before feeding trial electricity into the national grid under an additional operating permit.

The unit will initially operate at 3 percent capacity, incrementally scaling to 20 and 30 percent thresholds. If system parameters remain optimal, approximately 300 megawatts will be fed into the national transmission grid on an experimental basis by late December. Full commercial commercialization is anticipated within seven to eight months, expanding combined plant output to 2,400 megawatts across two reactors. Successful commissioning establishes Bangladesh as the world's 33rd nuclear power-generating nation, providing energy security and substantial foreign exchange savings.

//DBTech/DMH/NLCB/CPU//