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The first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna has begun trial power generation, marking a major milestone in the country’s first nuclear power project.
The 1,200-megawatt unit entered the power start-up phase on October 30 after receiving approval from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) a day earlier.
The process began with a gradual increase in reactor pressure and temperature as engineers started a series of operational tests to assess the performance of the reactor, turbine-generator, electrical systems and safety mechanisms.
Officials said the reactor’s power output would be increased gradually while the plant’s major equipment and systems are monitored under operating conditions.
However, the start of trial generation does not mean electricity is already being supplied to the national grid.
The unit must complete further tests, inspections and regulatory procedures before grid synchronisation.
Officials expect trial electricity supply to the national grid by the end of this year, provided the remaining tests are completed successfully.
Built with Russian financial and technical assistance, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has two VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s electricity supply and energy security.
