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The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna has begun trial electricity generation, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam confirmed the development on Friday (October 30).
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted permission on Thursday for Unit 1 to begin power start-up operations after completing the required tests.
The unit started power generation activities at 12:03pm on Friday.
The electricity generated is currently being used for the plant’s internal operations.
BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said turbine checks and other technical tests were underway. Once generation reaches 300 megawatts (MW), further inspections will be conducted.
If the results are satisfactory, the authority will grant permission to supply electricity to the national grid.
According to project officials, Unit 1 must obtain another certification, known as ‘D Certification’, before supplying electricity to the national grid.
Trial supply to the grid could begin within 15 to 20 days, subject to successful testing and regulatory approval.
The first unit has a designed capacity of 1,200MW, while the two-unit plant will have a combined capacity of 2,400MW.
The project is being implemented with Russian technical and financial assistance using VVER-1200 reactors.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s electricity supply and energy security.
