Rooppur:The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) has initiated its power start-up operations. This significant step follows the approval granted by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) on Thursday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan confirmed the commencement of power start-up operations for Unit 1. The operations began this morning after receiving the necessary permissions. Hasan emphasized the importance of this phase, requesting prayers for the successful generation of electricity at the plant.
Currently, the process involves heating the turbine to produce electricity, which will initially be used for internal activities at the plant. Hasan mentioned that turbine checks are ongoing, and upon reaching 300 megawatts (MW) of power generation, another inspection will be conducted. If the inspection is satisfactory, the plant will receive the go-ahead to supply electricity to the national grid.
The RNPP project indicates that Unit 1 needs to secure an additional certification, labeled D, before delivering its first nuclear power to the national grid. The timeline to achieve the next phase of power supply on a trial basis is estimated to be 15 to 20 days.
According to Russian Rosatom, nuclear fuel has been supplied for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor at Unit 2 of RNPP. Before its connection to the national grid and trial commercial operations, the unit must undergo further power ascension tests and receive all necessary regulatory approvals.
This longstanding milestone is anticipated to contribute significantly to Bangladesh's objective of diversifying its energy mix, ensuring a more reliable long-term electricity supply. RNPP, Bangladesh's inaugural nuclear power plant, includes two Russian-designed Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors, with a total capacity of 2,400MW. Rosatom's Engineering Division is the project's general designer and contractor.
Upon successful integration into the grid, Bangladesh will join the ranks of nuclear power-producing nations, becoming the 33rd globally. This development represents a new era in the country's energy security and technological progress.