Rooppur Nuclear Plant Advances Toward Power Generation

The first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has completed a major technical milestone on the path to electricity generation. The plant, located in Ishwardi, Pabna, has completed the required B-2 stage tests and preparatory activities, including the physics test. The test report has been submitted to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA). Regulatory approval could clear the way for the next phase, known as the C-stage or power startup. However, the timing of electricity generation, grid connection and the official inauguration remains dependent on approval and the successful completion of subsequent technical procedures.

Project officials expect power startup activities at the first unit could begin on Sunday, October 25, if everything proceeds according to plan. The unit could be inaugurated on a date in November, subject to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s schedule. No final official announcement has yet confirmed the inauguration date.

According to project officials, electricity generation will initially begin on a limited scale. Output will then be increased gradually after further tests and safety-related activities are completed. The target is to begin supplying electricity to the national grid once the unit reaches 30 to 35 percent of its capacity.

Project Director Dr. Md. Kabir Hossain told that the project expects to supply at least 300 megawatts of electricity from the first unit to the national grid by the end of this year. He said the timeline depends on securing the necessary approvals and successfully completing the subsequent technical stages.

Physics Test Completed, Power Startup Next

Dr. Md. Zahedul Hasan, managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), said all tests and activities under the first unit’s B-2 stage had been completed, including the physics test. The test report has been submitted to the regulatory authority. Once approval is granted, the unit will enter the C-stage, followed by power startup activities.

A project official informed us that the reports were submitted after completion of the B-2 stage tests and required preparatory work. Approval from BAERA is now a key condition for moving to the next phase.

Dr. Zahedul Hasan said power startup is a critical technical stage at a nuclear power plant. During this phase, the reactor’s power is gradually increased according to prescribed procedures, while operational and safety parameters are tested. Each stage must meet specified standards and comply with the regulatory authority’s requirements.

Although completion of the physics test marks important progress toward electricity generation, it does not mean the plant has already entered commercial operation. Power startup, further testing, grid connection and the gradual increase in output must be completed before the unit can move toward full-capacity generation.

Limited Electricity Supply to Begin

Once the first Rooppur unit begins supplying electricity, it will add a new source to Bangladesh’s power-generation system. However, the unit will not deliver electricity at its full capacity from the outset. Project officials aim to begin grid supply when the unit reaches 30 to 35 percent of its rated capacity.

The first unit has an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts. At 30 to 35 percent, its output would be equivalent to approximately 360 to 420 megawatts. The actual amount supplied to the grid will depend on the testing stage, the plant’s own electricity consumption, operational conditions and grid-readiness requirements.

Each of Rooppur’s two units has an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts. When the second unit enters operation, targeted for 2028, the plant’s combined installed capacity will reach 2,400 megawatts. Experts believe electricity from both units could have a positive impact on the country’s power supply. The proportion of national demand that they meet will depend on demand at the time, actual output and the plant’s operational status. Bangladesh’s current electricity demand is around 18,000 megawatts.

Senior Rosatom Delegation Visits Bangladesh

A senior delegation from Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom visited Bangladesh from October 20 to 23 to review progress on the Rooppur project. The delegation was led by Andrey Petrov, Rosatom’s first deputy director general and president of Atomstroyexport (ASE). During the visit, the delegation inspected construction and implementation activities and held meetings with project officials.

Project Director Dr. Md. Kabir Hossain said the delegation reviewed overall progress and discussed the next steps for the first unit. The unit’s progress was also presented during a meeting with Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam.

The minister stated that the delegation, led by Petrov, inspected construction and implementation progress. Meetings covered key technical milestones for the first unit, the project’s overall status and the work ahead.

A statement from the Russian Embassy also reported that the project’s progress was discussed during the meeting with the science and technology minister. Technical cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia remains important to the project’s implementation. Coordination between the two sides is required for construction, equipment installation, testing, operational readiness and related technical activities. Progress in the first unit’s testing is therefore significant for the project’s next stages.

Inauguration Awaited, Schedule Still Uncertain

Completion of the first unit’s major tests has brought it another step closer to electricity generation. However, power startup, further testing and regulatory approval must be completed before the formal inauguration. Although project officials expect the event to be arranged according to the prime minister’s schedule, no specific date can be confirmed without an official announcement.

The Prime Minister’s Press Wing has also indicated that the year-end target for supplying electricity to the national grid is not guaranteed. An unnamed Press Wing official said, “We have been informed that Rooppur is ready to begin generation. The inauguration date will be determined once the prime minister’s schedule is available. As you know, the prime minister is expected to visit several other countries after his trip to Japan. A convenient date will therefore be selected to inaugurate this major project.”

Overall, completion of the physics test and the B-2 stage marks an important milestone for Rooppur’s first unit. The start of electricity generation, however, depends on regulatory approval, the outcome of power startup and the completion of subsequent safety and technical tests.

//DBTech/IH/MSI/SMP//