Rooppur Nuclear Plant Begins Fuel Loading for Unit 1

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) reached a historic milestone today as fuel loading operations officially began for its first unit. This follows the successful completion of all technical preparations and the issuance of a commissioning license by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) on April 16.

The license, handed over by BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan to Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr. M. Moinul Islam, confirms that the facility meets both national and international safety standards.

According to project officials, electricity from the first unit is expected to reach the national grid within three months. Full-capacity commercial production is targeted for December, following rigorous testing and capacity-building phases.

This project, a collaboration with Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, marks Bangladesh as the 33rd member of the global "Nuclear Club." With a total capacity of 2,400 MW across two units and a project cost of 138,685 crore BDT, RNPP is positioned as a cornerstone for the country’s energy security.

Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam noted that the plant will not only mitigate power outages but also elevate Bangladesh's status on the global energy stage. A ceremony titled "Transformation from Rooppur" was held to mark the occasion, attended by government officials and representatives from the IAEA and Rosatom.