Dhaka:Work is progressing to begin supplying electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid by November, with successful initial physical and criticality tests underway.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the target is to complete fuel loading, or the reactor start-up process, for the plant's second unit by June next year. These plans were discussed during the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
At the meeting, chaired by Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, MP, and chairman of the committee, it was noted that authorities are optimistic about starting electricity supply within the scheduled timeframe following productive discussions with Russia's state-owned atomic energy corporation, Rosatom. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a third-generation facility, is being developed in line with international standards and expert supervision. International energy experts have assessed that the project is progressing well.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives to expand nuclear medicine facilities to the district level and to construct the country's first research vessel. Attendees included Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, committee members, Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain, senior ministry officials, and relevant department representatives.