Bangladesh has taken another significant step toward power generation at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction in Ishwardi, Pabna. Following the completion of essential tests and inspections, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has granted approval to commence 'Stage-C'—or power startup—activities for the unit. This milestone paves the way for the gradual increase of the reactor's power output, the generation of electricity, and the trial supply of power to the national grid.
Dr. Jahedul Hassan, Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), confirmed this development on Thursday evening (October 29). He stated that BAERA Chairman M. Mahmudul Hasan has issued the necessary authorization to initiate power startup operations for the first unit at Rooppur.
Project-related sources anticipate that, provided all required tests and commissioning activities are successfully completed, it may be possible to supply at least 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid from the first unit by December of this year. However, this timeline remains contingent upon test results, technical evaluations, and compliance with the conditions set by the regulatory authority.
Gradual Increase in Reactor Power
The NPCBL Managing Director noted that the necessary tests and procedures for the first unit—including the 'B-2' phase physics tests—have been concluded. Approval for 'Stage-C' was granted following the submission of reports on these tests to BAERA.
He explained that having moved past the physical startup phase, the plant is now entering the power startup stage. BAERA has granted the plant's operating entity the necessary authorization to conduct trial operations during this phase.
During 'Stage-C', the reactor's power output will be increased incrementally, while the functionality of critical equipment and systems within the plant will be rigorously tested. This includes the reactor, primary and secondary coolant systems, turbine-generator, electrical equipment, control systems, and safety and security systems.
The coordination among these systems will also be verified. Specifically, checks will be conducted to ensure that the turbine control and protection systems, the generator, and related electrical equipment function properly under normal operating conditions.
Preparation for Power Supply to the National Grid
According to project-related sources, testing will begin with the reactor operating at a low power level. The power output will be increased incrementally based on test results and technical evaluations.
Sources indicate that trial power supply to the national grid could commence once the reactor's thermal power output reaches 30 to 35 percent of its capacity.
A key milestone at this stage is connecting the generator to the national power grid. The facility's ability to supply power stably while maintaining synchronization with the grid will be assessed. Simultaneously, the reactor's power output will be increased, and the performance of various plant systems will continue to be evaluated.
Throughout this process, it is essential to maintain coordination among the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), the Ministry of Science and Technology, the entities responsible for managing the national power grid, and organizations tasked with safety and nuclear emergency management.
Expectation of 300 MW Supply by December
Project stakeholders anticipate that, provided the necessary tests are successfully completed, it will be possible to supply at least 300 MW of electricity from the first unit to the national grid by December of this year.
However, completing the 'Stage-C' tests, initiating trial power supply to the national grid, and commencing commercial production are three distinct phases. Receiving approval for a 'power startup' does not mean that commercial production begins immediately. Even after the start of trial power supply, further testing will be required to verify the performance of the plant's various systems. Before commercial production begins, it is necessary to complete the required technical testing, commissioning activities, and fulfill all conditions set by the regulatory authority.
Generation capacity of 2,400 MW across two units
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant consists of two units, each with a generation capacity of 1,200 MW. Once both units are operational at full capacity, the plant’s total generation capacity will reach 2,400 MW.
The commissioning of this plant will not only increase the country’s power generation capacity but also strengthen energy security and represent a significant advancement in acquiring expertise in nuclear technology. With the commencement of commercial nuclear power generation, Bangladesh will join the ranks of nations that produce nuclear energy for commercial purposes.
Built with technical assistance from Russia, the plant utilizes VVER-1200 reactors, which feature ‘Generation III+’ technology. According to its design, the plant has a lifespan of 60 years; however, experts are discussing the possibility of extending its operational life through proper maintenance, safety assessments, and necessary modernization.
Although the project’s original timeline was set until December 2025, it has been extended twice, now reaching June 2028. The project cost has also increased due to factors such as the rising exchange rate of the US dollar and other financial considerations. Currently, the total cost of the project is estimated at 138,686 crore BDT.
