Bangladesh has moved a step closer to nuclear power generation as uranium fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, marking a historic milestone in the country’s energy sector. With the start of fuel loading, the nation is set to become the world’s 33rd country to generate electricity using nuclear energy.
Officials said the reactor will undergo controlled fission and multiple safety tests over the next several weeks, after which power generation will gradually rise in phases. Around 300 megawatts of electricity is expected to be supplied to the national grid on a trial basis by August, while full-scale commercial generation may take up to 10 months.
The Rooppur project, Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure initiative, is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission with technical and financial support from Russia. The plant consists of two units, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, for a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
Once fully operational, the Rooppur plant is expected to meet 10-12 per cent of Bangladesh’s electricity demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Officials also say it will help lower carbon emissions and strengthen long-term energy security.
