Unit 1 Production Takes Priority
Rooppur Unit 2 Targets Uranium Loading by June
- In the first unit, the controlled nuclear reaction commenced on October 1
- Rooppur Unit 2 targets nuclear fuel loading around June next year
- Both units have completed installation of automated process control systems
Bangladesh is preparing for the next phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with uranium fuel loading in the second unit targeted for around June next year. While authorities prioritise starting electricity generation and supplying the national grid from Unit 1, preparatory work for Unit 2 is continuing. The second unit is expected to be ready for fuel loading after the remaining infrastructure and technical work is completed and regulatory approval is secured.
Multiple sources at the Ministry of Science and Technology and associated with the Rooppur project said the plan is to complete the preparatory work for Unit 2 early next year. The immediate priority, however, remains starting generation from Unit 1 and connecting its electricity supply to the national grid.
Controlled Nuclear Reaction Begins in Unit 1
A controlled nuclear reaction began in the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on 11 October. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority had granted approval on 8 October.
This stage, known as “first criticality”, marks an important milestone before electricity generation begins. However, several additional technical and operational stages must be completed successfully before the unit can generate electricity and supply the national grid.
Project officials expect Unit 1 could generate and supply 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by the end of December this year. If that target is achieved, preparations to bring Unit 2 into operation will receive greater attention.
Unit 2 Preparation and Infrastructure
Sources familiar with the project said work on Unit 2 has continued even as Unit 1 receives priority. Some infrastructure work remains incomplete, and efforts are underway to finish it.
Under the plan, the necessary infrastructure and technical preparations must be completed before nuclear fuel can be loaded into Unit 2. The ongoing work is being carried out with the aim of beginning uranium loading around the middle of next year.
Once preparations are complete, the project will need authorisation from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority before fuel loading can begin. Sources expect the formal inauguration of uranium loading in Unit 2 could take place around June next year.
The target is to begin electricity generation and supply to the national grid within four to six months after fuel loading. The timeline will depend on the successful completion of the required technical and regulatory stages.
Nuclear Fuel Arriving from Russia
Uranium fuel for Unit 2 began arriving in Bangladesh from Russia on 2 October. Deliveries are scheduled to continue in phases through December.
Sources associated with Rosatom said seven cargo aircraft would be used to transport fuel for Unit 2. Another two cargo aircraft are planned to carry fuel for the refuelling of Unit 1. A total of nine cargo aircraft are expected to be used for these nuclear fuel shipments.
Automated Control Systems Installed in Both Units
Installation of the Automated Process Control System (APCS) has been completed in both units of the Rooppur project.
Rooppur is also Rosatom’s first project outside Russia to implement the Operator Information Support System (OISS). The system is designed to provide operational information and assistance to plant personnel.
The control system supplied by Rosatom’s Automated Control Systems division, RASU, includes approximately 20,000 pieces of equipment organised under 43 systems. These will be used to monitor more than 7,000 process parameters, including reactor stability, supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
Rosatom said its RASU division developed the OISS using digital twin technology for the power unit. The system has already been integrated into Unit 1 and is participating in start-up operations. A similar system will also be installed in Unit 2.
The remaining work on Unit 2 is expected to be completed over the coming months. Preparations are continuing to complete the required stages before fuel loading and electricity generation can begin.
Unit 1 Production Remains the Immediate Priority
Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said, “We are now trying to start production from Unit 1 as quickly as possible. Work on Unit 2 is also progressing properly. Once Unit 1 begins production, the process of bringing Unit 2 into operation will begin.”
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being developed with Russian technological, financial and technical assistance and overall supervision. The project is being implemented by Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
Each of the plant’s two units has a planned generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Together, the units are designed to produce a total of 2,400 megawatts of electricity at full capacity.
The planned timing for uranium loading in Unit 2 will depend on completion of the remaining infrastructure work, technical preparations and regulatory approval. Although the target is to begin electricity generation and supply within four to six months after fuel loading, achieving that timeline remains contingent on the successful completion of the required stages.
//DBTech/BNNR/SME/FOED//
- In the first unit, the controlled nuclear reaction commenced on October 1
- Rooppur Unit 2 targets nuclear fuel loading around June next year
- Both units have completed installation of automated process control systems
Bangladesh is preparing for the next phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with uranium fuel loading in the second unit targeted for around June next year. While authorities prioritise starting electricity generation and supplying the national grid from Unit 1, preparatory work for Unit 2 is continuing. The second unit is expected to be ready for fuel loading after the remaining infrastructure and technical work is completed and regulatory approval is secured.
Multiple sources at the Ministry of Science and Technology and associated with the Rooppur project said the plan is to complete the preparatory work for Unit 2 early next year. The immediate priority, however, remains starting generation from Unit 1 and connecting its electricity supply to the national grid.
Controlled Nuclear Reaction Begins in Unit 1
A controlled nuclear reaction began in the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on 11 October. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority had granted approval on 8 October.
This stage, known as “first criticality”, marks an important milestone before electricity generation begins. However, several additional technical and operational stages must be completed successfully before the unit can generate electricity and supply the national grid.
Project officials expect Unit 1 could generate and supply 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by the end of December this year. If that target is achieved, preparations to bring Unit 2 into operation will receive greater attention.
Unit 2 Preparation and Infrastructure
Sources familiar with the project said work on Unit 2 has continued even as Unit 1 receives priority. Some infrastructure work remains incomplete, and efforts are underway to finish it.
Under the plan, the necessary infrastructure and technical preparations must be completed before nuclear fuel can be loaded into Unit 2. The ongoing work is being carried out with the aim of beginning uranium loading around the middle of next year.
Once preparations are complete, the project will need authorisation from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority before fuel loading can begin. Sources expect the formal inauguration of uranium loading in Unit 2 could take place around June next year.
The target is to begin electricity generation and supply to the national grid within four to six months after fuel loading. The timeline will depend on the successful completion of the required technical and regulatory stages.
Nuclear Fuel Arriving from Russia
Uranium fuel for Unit 2 began arriving in Bangladesh from Russia on 2 October. Deliveries are scheduled to continue in phases through December.
Sources associated with Rosatom said seven cargo aircraft would be used to transport fuel for Unit 2. Another two cargo aircraft are planned to carry fuel for the refuelling of Unit 1. A total of nine cargo aircraft are expected to be used for these nuclear fuel shipments.
Automated Control Systems Installed in Both Units
Installation of the Automated Process Control System (APCS) has been completed in both units of the Rooppur project.
Rooppur is also Rosatom’s first project outside Russia to implement the Operator Information Support System (OISS). The system is designed to provide operational information and assistance to plant personnel.
The control system supplied by Rosatom’s Automated Control Systems division, RASU, includes approximately 20,000 pieces of equipment organised under 43 systems. These will be used to monitor more than 7,000 process parameters, including reactor stability, supporting safe and efficient plant operations.
Rosatom said its RASU division developed the OISS using digital twin technology for the power unit. The system has already been integrated into Unit 1 and is participating in start-up operations. A similar system will also be installed in Unit 2.
The remaining work on Unit 2 is expected to be completed over the coming months. Preparations are continuing to complete the required stages before fuel loading and electricity generation can begin.
Unit 1 Production Remains the Immediate Priority
Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said, “We are now trying to start production from Unit 1 as quickly as possible. Work on Unit 2 is also progressing properly. Once Unit 1 begins production, the process of bringing Unit 2 into operation will begin.”
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being developed with Russian technological, financial and technical assistance and overall supervision. The project is being implemented by Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
Each of the plant’s two units has a planned generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Together, the units are designed to produce a total of 2,400 megawatts of electricity at full capacity.
The planned timing for uranium loading in Unit 2 will depend on completion of the remaining infrastructure work, technical preparations and regulatory approval. Although the target is to begin electricity generation and supply within four to six months after fuel loading, achieving that timeline remains contingent on the successful completion of the required stages.
//DBTech/BNNR/SME/FOED//
