Fuel loading has begun at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) that paves the way for the start of experimental production at the country’s first nuclear power plant in Pabna’s Ishurdi Upazila.

The uranium loading began at the first unit of the plant after 3:30pm today and the authorities said they need 21-30 days to complete the process through which the country enters the nuclear era. 

“Authorities have begun loading of uranium (fuel) into the reactor of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) for generating electricity,” said former project director Dr Shuwkat Akbor.

“Fuel loading process will require around 21-34 days to complete. With this, production process of power plant has begun,” he said. 

Initially, one percent of electricity will be generated, and later it will be two percent to 30 percent with an expected initial production of 300 MW of electricity, said a technical expert engaged in the plant said.

The electricity is expected to be added to the national grid between late July and early August this year.

Fakir Mahbub Anan, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, said all activities are being carried out according to the international standards.

“Safety is the first priority of Bangladesh. This nuclear power plant will further advance the historic relations between Dhaka and Moscow,” he while inaugurating the fuel loading ‘Physical Start-Up of Unit-1’ of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at the project site.

He said that after completion of fuel loading and others technical processes 300 MW of electricity will be commercially generated from the first unit by end July or first August.

“It will be possible to complete the whole process in stages and go into full-scale production by December this year or early next year (2027), he said.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad said, "Today is a significant day for Bangladesh. Bangladesh has taken a step forward in terms of technology." 

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser, Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology and Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of Ministry to Science and Technology spoke on the occasion. 

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a video message. 

“Today, Bangladesh has joined the group of nations that use peaceful nuclear energy as a reliable source of sustainable development. Undoubtedly, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will become a key element of the country’s energy system. For Rosatom, this project marks another important step in the development of the global nuclear industry and in strengthening friendly relations with our international partners. We are pleased to work together with our Bangladeshi friends in building a modern and reliable nuclear power plant and see strong prospects for further cooperation,” said Alexey Likhachev.

According to the agreement, Russia provided uranium as main fuel of the unit of the plant. Russia will also supply fuel for the entire plant. 

According to project details, once the Rooppur project is completed, the plant will be operated by the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh or NPCBL.

It said that manpower structure and training have been provided by Russia. Initially, the power reactor will be commissioned under Russian operators while Bangladeshis will be as collaborators and gradually take over the leadership after three years. 

Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation - Rosatom's Engineering Department constructed the RNPP with Russian Economic and Technical Assistance.

The construction work is being carried out through a general agreement with the Russian Federation. 

Earlier, a survey agreement was signed in 2013 and a construction agreement was signed in 2015. 

The construction cost of the project has been estimated at $12.65 billion, with two units having a total of 2400 MW generation capacity.

The project is being implemented by Russia's latest technology III+ VVER 1200, among the most advanced reactor designs. The key safety systems including active safety systems, passive safety systems, five layers systems and core catcher.

Each unit has a generating capacity of 1200 MW. The lifespan (production time) of this power plant is 60 years.

After that, this capacity will be extended for 20 years and 20 years so electricity can be generated from this project for 100 years, according to project experts. 

The construction work of the first unit of this project has been completed, in which the production process has started through fuel loading. 

The construction work of the second unit is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.