Pabna:A shipment of uranium has successfully reached the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, located in Pabna, for its second unit. The delivery took place on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by stringent security measures.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the uranium consignment arrived at the nuclear site around 1225 p.m. after departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at approximately 715 a.m. The transport was escorted by the Bangladesh Army, as confirmed by Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam.
This shipment marks the first installment of uranium for the plant's second unit. The uranium was flown into Bangladesh aboard a special cargo aircraft, which landed at the airport at about 1144 p.m. on Friday night. After completing all necessary formalities, the uranium was transported by three lorries, with additional equipment carried in a separate vehicle. A team of Russian specialists accompanied the transport.
Security for the transportation was reinforced with personnel from the Bangladesh Army, police, and various intelligence agencies. The flight carrying the uranium was initially scheduled to arrive on September 24 but was delayed due to the denial of access to Pakistani airspace.
Project officials have indicated that a total of nine uranium consignments are expected to be delivered to Bangladesh. Seven will be allocated for the second unit, while two consignments will be used to refuel the first unit. All deliveries are anticipated to be completed by December.
The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant received its fuel shipment earlier in 2023. The plant, consisting of two 1,200-megawatt units, boasts a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Initiated in 2013 with Russian support, the construction of the plant is projected to cost over Tk 1.13 lakh crore.
Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL) Managing Director Dr. Zahidul Hasan reported that the testing of a 16-megawatt high-pressure system, part of the reactor protection and safety-related system, was successfully concluded on Wednesday after replacing a defective valve.