Power Grid Integration Expected by Coming November
Rooppur Nuclear Plant Begins Initial Criticality Tests
- Initial physical and criticality tests successfully started at Rooppur Nuclear Plant
- Power supply to the national grid is targeted to begin by November
- Parliamentary body recommends organizing nationwide school science fairs
The 1st meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology for the 13th National Parliament was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday (October 14). Chaired by the committee's chairman and Parliamentary Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, the meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the overall technical progress and future operational roadmap of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Science and Technology Faqir Mahtab Anam, alongside committee members A.Z.M. Rezwanul Haq, Md. Anwarul Islam, Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury, K. M. Babar, Sanseela Zebreen, Salah Uddin, Mardia Momtaz, and Md. Abdul Gafur. Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Md. Anwar Hossain, along with senior officials from related departments and the Parliament Secretariat, were also present.
The proceedings began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the committee chairman paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, the martyrs of the Liberation War, and the martyrs of the historic July 2024 mass uprising. Subsequently, a powerpoint presentation detailed the ministry's ongoing technological operations and departmental milestones.
According to updates presented during the meeting, the initial physical and criticality tests for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant have commenced successfully. Following fruitful consultations with Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, officials expressed confidence that power transmission from this mega-facility to the national grid will begin by November. Furthermore, fuel loading and reactor commissioning for the second unit are targeted for completion by June next year.
Addressing safety and technical architecture, committee members highlighted that RNPP features a Generation III+ state-of-the-art reactor safety system. Executed under the strict supervision of international experts and in alignment with global technical standards, energy experts confirm that the project remains on schedule.
Beyond nuclear power generation, the meeting highlighted ongoing progress in expanding nuclear medicine infrastructure to the district level and advancing construction on the nation's first specialized oceanographic research vessel. Additionally, the committee recommended organizing science fairs at school and college levels to foster technical innovation among youth, emphasizing the need to commercialize and export indigenous technology to earn foreign exchange.
//DBTech/AAMSMP/MVNO/MIST//
