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The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received final regulatory approval to begin the process of generating electricity.
The approval was granted by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), clearing the way for the next stage of commissioning.
At this stage, the reactor will undergo controlled nuclear fission, known as criticality, in which a self-sustaining chain reaction is established.
The process will allow the reactor to gradually begin producing heat and, subsequently, electricity.
The plant has already completed key safety and commissioning tests, including a high-pressure test of its Pressure Operated Relief Valve system after a technical fault was addressed.
Following the approval, Unit 1 will proceed through the remaining commissioning stages. Once output reaches around 300MW, electricity can be supplied to the national grid on a trial basis, officials said.
The Rooppur project in Pabna is being built with Russian assistance and comprises two units, each designed to generate 1,200MW.
Power generation from Unit 1 is expected to begin on a trial basis before moving towards commercial operation.
