Rooppur Unit 1 Enters Power Start-Up Stage C

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Ishwardi, Pabna, has taken another step towards starting electricity generation from its first unit, with the formal launch of Power Start-Up Stage C following regulatory approval. However, neither trial nor commercial electricity generation has begun yet.

Abdullah Al Mamun, public relations officer of the Ministry of Science and Technology, confirmed the development in a press release issued on Friday night. According to the release, the chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) approved the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) to begin Stage C on Thursday, October 29. Activities under the stage began following the approval.

Stage C is a significant phase in the commissioning process of Unit 1. During this stage, reactor power will be increased gradually while the performance and integrated operation of the plant's equipment, operational systems and safety mechanisms are tested and verified.

The tests will cover the reactor, primary and secondary systems, turbine-generator, electrical systems, instrumentation and control, reactor protection and safety systems. Prescribed tests and assessments will be conducted at each stage of the gradual increase in reactor power. Particular attention will be given to the turbine control and protection systems, generator and associated electrical equipment.

One of the key objectives of Stage C is to synchronise Unit 1's generator with the national power grid after the required tests have been completed successfully, paving the way for stable electricity supply. The process will proceed in stages, subject to compliance with regulatory and commissioning requirements and the necessary approvals.

Dr Md Jahedul Hassan, managing director of NPCBL, said the start of Stage C marked significant progress in preparations for electricity generation from the plant's first unit. Electricity generation is expected to begin towards the end of the start-up process, he said. Further regulatory approval will also be required.

The launch of Power Start-Up Stage C marks another milestone in Bangladesh's nuclear power programme. The next steps will depend on the successful completion of prescribed tests and compliance with safety requirements, with nuclear safety remaining the highest priority throughout the process.

//DBTech/RKE/SME/MVNO//