Rooppur Unit 1 Gets Power Startup Approval

Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant has moved another step closer to electricity generation after the regulator approved the Stage C power startup process for Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The approval allows the project to proceed with gradually increasing reactor power, testing the turbine-generator and associated safety systems, and preparing for trial electricity supply to the national grid. 

Dr Md Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), confirmed the approval on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026. He said M Mahmudul Hasan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), had granted the necessary authorisation to begin power startup activities at Unit 1.

Project officials expect trial electricity supply to the national grid to begin next month if the required tests and commissioning activities proceed as planned. The timeline, however, depends on test results, technical assessments and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Moving Beyond Physical Startup

Project sources said the unit had completed the required tests and activities, including the B-2 phase physics tests. Approval to enter Stage C followed the submission of the test reports to BAERA. 

Dr Zahedul Hasan said the plant was now moving beyond physical startup and entering the power startup phase. BAERA has granted the operating entity trial operational approval to conduct activities at this stage.

Testing the Reactor, Turbine and Safety Systems

During Stage C, engineers will systematically test the reactor, primary and secondary coolant systems, turbine-generator, electrical equipment, instrumentation and control systems, and protection and safety systems.

Hasan said the tests would also verify whether the different systems function together properly. The main objective is to establish safe, stable and reliable plant operation and assess its readiness to supply electricity to the national grid on a trial basis.

As reactor power increases gradually, engineers will monitor the performance of major equipment and systems. Particular attention will be given to the turbine control and protection systems, generator and associated electrical equipment under operating conditions. 

Coordination among the reactor, turbine and safety systems will be essential throughout the process. Relevant institutions, including BAERA, the Ministry of Science and Technology, agencies responsible for national grid operations, and organisations involved in security, law enforcement and nuclear emergency management, will also need to maintain coordination.

Preparing for National Grid Connection

One of the major milestones in Stage C will be synchronising the generator with the national electricity grid. Engineers will assess whether the plant can maintain grid synchronisation and supply electricity steadily while continuing to test the reactor and other systems.

Project sources said testing would initially begin at a low reactor power level. Output would then be increased in stages, based on test results and technical evaluations. Trial supply to the national grid could begin when the reactor reaches approximately 30–35% of its thermal power capacity, according to project expectations.

Project officials hope Unit 1 will be able to supply at least 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by December 2026, provided the required tests are completed successfully. The timeline remains conditional on commissioning progress and compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Trial Supply Is Not Commercial Operation

The Stage C testing phase, trial electricity supply to the national grid and commercial operation are three separate milestones.

Before commercial generation can begin, the plant must complete the required technical tests and commissioning activities and meet all conditions set by the regulator.

The latest approval therefore does not mean that commercial electricity production has started. Further tests will continue even after trial electricity supply to the national grid begins, as engineers verify the performance of the plant’s systems. 

Two Units Designed for 2,400 MW

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has two units, each with an electricity generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Once both units are fully operational, the facility is designed to provide a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts.

The project is expected to increase Bangladesh’s power generation capacity, strengthen energy security and expand the country’s expertise in nuclear technology. Commercial nuclear power generation would also place Bangladesh among countries producing nuclear electricity for commercial use.

Planned Operational Life of 60 Years

Rooppur is being built using Generation III+ nuclear technology. According to its design, the country’s first nuclear power plant has a planned operational life of 60 years.

The project was originally scheduled for completion by December 2025. Following two extensions, the deadline has been set for June 2028.

Project information indicates that the estimated cost has increased partly because of changes in the US dollar exchange rate and other financial factors. The current total project cost is estimated at Tk 138,686 crore.

//DBTech/SC/DE/OE//