The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna has received approval to begin the process of electricity generation.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted the approval on Thursday, October 29.
At this stage, the reactor will undergo its first self-sustaining chain reaction, a process known as criticality. This will allow the reactor to begin producing energy in a controlled and stable manner. All previous tests and examinations have reportedly been completed successfully.
Built with Russian assistance, the project’s first unit has largely completed Stage B1 in line with guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Issues related to the final test of the automatic pressure-relief valve have also been resolved.
The next stage, B2, involves preparing the nuclear reactor for initial operation. Criticality will begin after the completion of this stage.
Criticality is the point at which a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is established inside the reactor. The process allows the reactor to begin generating energy gradually under controlled conditions.
Once the unit successfully progresses through the required stages and reaches an output of up to 300 megawatts, it will begin supplying electricity commercially to the national transmission grid.
Meanwhile, Russia has started supplying nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor at the second unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
