First Unit of Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant Aims to Launch in March 2025

The government plans to operationalize the first unit of the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant by March next year to address the country’s power shortage. This information was shared by Salehuddin Ahmed, Advisor on Science, Technology, and Finance, on Friday evening, December 13, after visiting the Ruppur project site with a team of experts from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Speaking to journalists at the Pabna Deputy Commissioner’s conference room following a meeting with local government officials, Salehuddin Ahmed stated, “We reviewed the project closely to address questions and observations raised by the advisory council. The project is being implemented adhering to the most advanced safety measures, and we aim to harness its positive impact as soon as possible.”

He further noted that subject to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s final approval and successful testing, nuclear power production from the first unit is expected to commence in March 2025.

Commenting on the project's timeline and cost overruns, the finance advisor remarked that the extensions are not unusual for a project of this scale. He added that there is room for negotiations with Russia regarding interest rates associated with the project.

At the meeting, Salehuddin Ahmed criticized the institutional deterioration caused by the previous government over the last 15 years and urged government officials to work transparently and responsibly.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Mokabbir Hossain, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mofizul Islam, Superintendent of Police Mortaza Ali, and other government representatives.