Rooppur NPP nears connection to national grid

The main and auxiliary transformers at the first power unit have been successfully commissioned at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), marking a significant step toward full operational readiness of the country’s first nuclear power facility at Ishwardi in the northern region.

This milestone signals the upcoming integration of Rooppur NPP with the country’s national electricity grid, a company statement from Russia’s state-run Rosatom said on Saturday.

The main step-up transformers are engineered to convert the 24-kilovolt (kV) electricity produced by the turbine generator into 400 kV for efficient transmission to the national grid.

Each transformer is capable of transmitting up to 1,599 MW—well above the unit’s designed power output of 1,200 MW, ensuring both reliability and surplus capacity.

Weighing approximately 400 tonnes per phase, the installation required over 150 kilometres of cabling, the statement added.

In addition, auxiliary transformers—responsible for powering all internal systems of the power unit—have also been commissioned.

These transformers are designed for dual-mode operation: they can receive electricity either from the external grid or directly from the generator during active power unit operation. Previously, internal systems relied on standby transformers; the activation of the main supply circuit represents a key transition toward full-scale operation.

“This achievement reflects the well-coordinated efforts of all involved teams,” said Alexey Deriy, Vice President for Projects in Bangladesh at Atomstroyexport.

“Despite logistical and climatic challenges, the team delivered excellent results. This is a vital step toward the safe and reliable commissioning of the power unit.”

In the coming days, a series of hot functional tests will be carried out at the Rooppur NPP.

These include validation of various safety systems and operational modes, such as steam discharge into the atmosphere. This process, while generating temporary noise, is planned and entirely safe for nearby residents.

Rosatom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safety, ensuring that all construction and commissioning activities comply with international standards and regulatory requirements.

The Rooppur NPP is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project and is being implemented with financial and technical assistance from the Russian Federation. The plant features two Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW. The Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation is serving as the general contractor for the 2,400 MW project.

azizjst@yahoo.com