Bangladesh enters nuclear energy era
Bangladesh has entered a historic phase in its energy development with the start of nuclear fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The fuel loading process into Unit-1’s reactor core began on schedule, marking a key milestone that places Bangladesh on track to join more than 30 countries producing nuclear energy. In South Asia, it will become the third nation after India and Pakistan to operate nuclear power facilities, reflecting a major shift in its long-term energy strategy.
Officials said the fuel loading process is expected to be completed within 45 days, followed by gradual system activation. The reactor will undergo a controlled warm-up phase before initiating trial electricity generation, which will then be connected to the national grid. Initial output is expected to be modest, with gradual scaling based on system performance and safety validation.
The project is being implemented with strong technical and financial support from Rosatom, with nuclear fuel supplied by its subsidiary TVEL. Under the agreement, Russia will also take back spent nuclear fuel, although detailed long-term arrangements are still under discussion.
Authorities anticipate that the plant could supply around 300 megawatts of electricity during early operations, with output gradually increasing to 1,200 megawatts from Unit-1 alone by late 2026 or early 2027. Once both units are fully operational, the facility will produce a total of 2,400 megawatts, contributing roughly 10 percent of Bangladesh’s installed power capacity.
The commissioning phase, expected to last up to a year, will involve extensive testing of reactor systems, turbine performance, grid synchronisation, and emergency safety mechanisms. Engineers will closely monitor each stage to ensure compliance with international standards before full commercial operations begin.
Oversight will be provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency, alongside national regulators, ensuring adherence to global nuclear safety protocols.
Located in Ishwardi on the banks of the Padma River, the $12.65 billion Rooppur project is the largest infrastructure investment in Bangladesh’s history. Analysts say the move into nuclear energy will help diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and support long-term energy security amid rising demand.
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