Nuclear fuel loading starts at Rooppur power plant

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant officially began fuel loading into one of its two units yesterday afternoon, marking a historic moment in the nation’s energy sector.

At least 300 megawatts of electricity are expected to be supplied to the national grid within the next three months.

​Located on the banks of Padma in Pabna’s Ishwardi, the $12.65 billion RNPP was built with Russian technology. The first concrete was poured on November 30, 2017, when the Awami League government was in power. Delays due to unavoidable circumstances like Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine-Russia war, the country’s debut nuclear plant has finally entered its operational phase.

“It will take 30 to 40 days to complete the fuel loading,” said ​Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL), which oversees the project.

“We must navigate a challenging test phase during commissioning. These tests will be conducted at various stages to prepare the final safety analysis report,” he told The Daily Star.

Each unit would generate up to 1,200MW once the tests are completed. With the plant fully operational, it could produce 2,400MW.

On the occasion, a formal fuel-loading ceremony was held at the plant site, chaired by Science and Information Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam. He said that nuclear energy will meet the rising demand for electricity driven by growing industrial development.

“The Rooppur plant is more than just a power station; rather, it is a significant leap in the nation’s technological capabilities, a foundation for developing a skilled workforce, and a source of strengthened self-confidence for future achievements,” he added.

During the inauguration, Anwar Hossain, secretary of the ministry, emphasised that “safety first” remains the primary concern for the project.

​“We are utilising nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and ensuring that safety measures meet international standards at every step. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will play a vital role in fulfilling the increasing demand for electricity by providing an uninterrupted supply of clean energy,” he said.

​Rehan Asif Asad, the prime minister’s science and technology adviser, said the Rooppur plant marks the beginning of a new era in the power sector, stating that the power generated will drive both industrial and socio-economic development in Bangladesh.

​At the event, Alexey Likhachev, director general of Rosatom, the contractor of the plant, said Bangladesh has now joined the group of nations utilising peaceful nuclear energy as a reliable source for sustainable development.

​“Undoubtedly, the plant will become a key element of the country’s energy system. For Rosatom, this project marks another important step in the development of the global nuclear industry and in strengthening friendly relations with our international partners.”

​The ceremony also featured a recorded message from Rafael Grossi, DG of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who congratulated Bangladesh on reaching this milestone.

Shawkat Akbar, former project director of the plant and former chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, told journalists that fresh fuel loading signals the transition from construction to operation.

​“The process involves loading fuel into the 1,200MW VVER-1200 reactor, paving the way for the plant’s commissioning, including the first heat generation and nuclear chain reaction -- the final steps before commercial operation.”

Earlier in the day, Rosatom DG Likhachev paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Secretariat office and they discussed in detail about the progress of RNPP project.

The PM appreciated Russia’s technical and technological assistance in the successful implementation of the project.

The DG expressed optimism that the remaining work of the RNPP project would be completed within the stipulated time.