Rooppur nuclear plant aims to complete fuel loading by February-end

The first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna’s Ishwardi is targeting completion of fuel loading by the end of February.

Project officers told Salehuddin Ahmed, science and technology and finance advisor, of the timeline, according to a media statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office.

Salehuddin visited the Rooppur site recently, inspecting overall progress and consulting with project officials, engineers, and workers.

He said the nuclear power plant will play a “transformative role” in the national electricity sector as the country’s first nuclear facility.

Officials said the project, adhering to all international regulations, is now in its final stages of construction.

Engineers from Russia’s state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom report that fuel loading for Unit-1 is feasible by February-end.

Project representatives anticipate that Unit-1 could initially supply about 350MW to the national grid by the end of March, gradually scaling up to nearly 1,150MW from its 1,200MW capacity.

The project is expected to strengthen energy security, meet growing electricity demand, and contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals.

The $12.65 billion project is being constructed with Russian collaboration.

Bangladesh finances 10 percent, with Russia providing the remaining 90 percent as a loan.

Two units, each producing 1,200 MW, will generate a total of 2,400 MW. The plant’s operational life is 60 years, extendable by 20 more years.

The foundation was laid in October 2013 by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

In November 2017, she inaugurated the concrete pouring for the first unit’s reactor and cooling dome.

Production, initially scheduled for early 2021, was delayed due to the pandemic and later complicated by the Ukraine war and other logistical challenges.