Rooppur begins fuel loading, bringing Bangladesh closer to nuclear power era

Bangladesh moved a major step closer to nuclear power generation today as fuel loading began at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), the country’s largest electricity project.

The milestone marks the transition of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant from construction to the pre-operational phase, more than eight years after work began with Russian financial and technical support.

Located in Pabna on the banks of the Padma River, Rooppur’s first concrete was poured in November 2017 for Unit 1 and in July 2018 for Unit 2. Once fully completed, the two reactors will generate a combined 2,400 megawatts, supplying around 12 percent of Bangladesh’s total electricity needs.

Fuel loading involves placing uranium fuel into the reactor and beginning extensive safety checks before the trial run stage. Officials said electricity from Unit 1 is expected to enter the national grid around three to three and a half months after the process begins, likely in late July or early August.

Power generation is then expected to rise gradually by 10 to 15 percent each month, with the full 1,200MW capacity of Unit 1 projected to be available by the end of December.

Fuel loading for Unit 2, which will also have a capacity of 1,200MW, is scheduled for later this year. The plant has an estimated operating life of 60 years, with the possibility of extension by another 20 to 30 years.

A ceremony marking the occasion was scheduled for this afternoon at the plant site, about 160 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, with Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and Secretary Md Anwar Hossain expected to attend.

Officials said the tariff for electricity from Rooppur has not yet been finalised. Pricing will be determined through consultations, power purchase agreements, and financial analysis.

A senior project official said Rooppur power could be slightly more expensive than gas-fired electricity but cheaper than coal and furnace oil generation. Estimated costs may range between Tk4 and Tk8 per unit.

Supporters say the plant will strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported gas, oil, and coal while lowering carbon emissions.

Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the project is also helping develop local expertise through technology transfer, with engineers, scientists, and technicians receiving specialised training.

Around 25,000 people have reportedly been directly involved in the project, contributing to employment and industrial development.

The Rooppur project has roots stretching back more than six decades. The site was first selected in 1962 during the Pakistan era. Momentum increased after 2009, and Bangladesh signed a cooperation agreement with Russia in 2011.

In 2015, Bangladesh signed a $12.65 billion agreement with Russia’s JSC Atomstroyexport to build two VVER-1200 reactors.

Globally, about 31 countries operate nuclear plants, producing roughly one-tenth of the world’s electricity. Nuclear power remains a major energy source in countries such as France, the United States, Russia, China, and India.

For Bangladesh, the launch of Rooppur marks the start of a new chapter in its long-term energy strategy.