Rooppur loads fuel today, edges closer to nuclear power generation

Highlights:

• Two units will generate 2,400MW of electricity
• Power from Unit-1 may reach the grid by July–August 2026
• Tariff is expected between Tk4 and Tk8 per unit
• The project aims to improve energy security and reduce imports

The country is one step closer to nuclear power generation as fuel loading begins today (28 April) at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), the country's largest electricity project.

Bangladesh is a newcomer to the nuclear power industry, with the first unit of its maiden nuclear power plant entering the phase before trial run today, more than eight years after its construction began with financial and technical assistance from Russia.

Infographics: TBS

The first concrete pouring for Unit-1 of RNPP, in Pabna on the banks of the Padma River, was done on 30 November 2017 and for Unit-2 on 14 July 2018. When completed, Rooppur NPP's two units will contribute a total of 2400MW to the national electricity grid, sharing roughly 12% of the country's total electricity generation.

Fuel loading is not a trial run, but it is a critical milestone for a nuclear plant for transitioning from construction to operational phase. This marks putting uranium into the reactor, initiating a safety check procedure that may take weeks before trial run.

Marking the occasion, a ceremony will begin at 2:30pm today at the plant site, 160km northwest of Dhaka. Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Secretary Md Anwar Hossain will speak at the event.

Officials said electricity from Rooppur's unit 1 will enter the grid for the first time about three to three and a half months after fuel loading begins. This means power from Rooppur is expected to be added to the grid in late July or early August.

Following that, electricity generation will gradually increase by around 10-15% each month. By the end of December, the full 1,200 MW capacity of Unit-1 is expected to be supplied to the national grid.

Fuel loading for Unit-2, also 1200MW capacity, is scheduled to begin towards the end of the current year. Initially, the plant has an estimated economic life of 60 years, which can later be extended by an additional 20 to 30 years.

In August last year, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a pre-operational safety review mission to inspect safety standards and operating practices at Unit 1 of the Rooppur plant.

How costly Rooppur electricity will be

Md Anwar Hossain, secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, told TBS that nuclear plants involve high upfront construction costs but relatively low long-term generation costs, as fuel prices are stable and less volatile than other energy sources.

He said the Rooppur plant has an expected lifespan of 60-80 years, which helps reduce average electricity costs over time. Power is expected to be supplied at rates comparable to other low-cost sources.

"No specific tariff has been finalised yet. Pricing will be determined through consultations with relevant agencies and stakeholders, the power purchase agreement, and detailed financial analysis," he added.

However, a senior project official said Rooppur electricity may be slightly more expensive than gas-based power but cheaper than coal and furnace oil-based generation. "Considering total installation and production costs, the per-unit tariff could range between Tk4 and Tk8," he said.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission officials said a tariff proposal has already been submitted to the Power Division. A final meeting will be held before fuel loading and grid connection to finalise the tariff.

M Shamsul Alam, energy adviser at the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said consumers would benefit if tariffs are set based on actual production costs.

In India, nuclear tariffs range between $0.03 and $0.05 (Tk3.94-6.52) per kWh for older plants, while newer projects cost around $0.074 (Tk9.11) per kWh, according to the World Nuclear Association. India, which operates seven nuclear plants, has opened the sector to private investment to expand capacity to 100GW by 2047, from 8.7GW at present.

In Pakistan, which runs six nuclear plants, average generation costs are around $0.06 (Tk7.02) per kWh. China's benchmark tariff for new nuclear projects stands at $0.06-0.07 (Tk7.38-8.62) per kWh.

65-year dream coming true

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant's site was selected in 1962 during the Pakistan era. After independence, successive five-year plans prioritised the power sector, with international cooperation sought for nuclear development.

The issue got momentum after 2009, when nuclear power was integrated into the country's development strategy. In 2011, Bangladesh signed an agreement with Russia, paving the way for implementation.

In 2015, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission signed a contract with Russia's JSC Atomstroyexport to build two VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. Bangladesh and Russia signed a general construction contract worth $12.65 billion in December 2015 for the two-unit project.

Officials said the cost of Rooppur is aligned with international benchmarks for VVER-1200-based nuclear plants.

Hungary spent about $13.2 billion for two units, Egypt around $30 billion for four, Turkey roughly $20 billion for four, and Belarus about $11 billion for two. Vietnam's Ninh Thuan project is expected to require at least $22 billion, according to its Ministry of Industry and Trade (March 2026).

India presents a different structure, with two units costing about $6.7 billion, which largely reflects reactor and equipment costs. Infrastructure, training, safety systems and other components were accounted for separately. As a result, experts said direct comparisons may be misleading and do not fully reflect total project scope.

Green energy, technology transfer

Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the plant will bring significant changes to energy security, the economy and technological capability.

"This is an environmentally friendly source of energy. Carbon emissions from nuclear power are very low, so it will play an important role in addressing climate change," he said.

He added that the project is enabling technology transfer and helping develop a high-tech sector, with local engineers, scientists and technicians receiving training and building expertise.

So far, around 25,000 people have been directly involved in the project, contributing to employment generation and human resource development. Anwar said the project is also expected to support the growth of allied industries.

"Bangladesh is heavily dependent on imported energy such as gas, oil and coal. Once Rooppur is operational, this dependency will decline, saving foreign currency and boosting energy security," he said.

He added that the plant is expected to supply 10-12% of the country's electricity demand, providing reliable power to 20-25 million people, with positive impacts on industry, agriculture and daily life.

Global picture

Around 31 countries operate nuclear power plants, generating roughly one-tenth of global electricity. According to the International Energy Agency, France has the highest nuclear share at 65%, followed by the Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Hungary and Finland, ranging between 63% and 41% as of 2023.

In other major economies, nuclear accounts for 18% of electricity in the US and Russia, 9% in Japan, 5% in China, 20% in the UAE and 2% in Iran. In South Asia, Pakistan generates about 16% of its electricity from nuclear power, while India stands at around 3%.

The US leads global nuclear capacity, while China is rapidly expanding its nuclear fleet as part of its shift towards cleaner energy.

Operating costs of nuclear plants are generally lower than coal- and gas-fired power stations. In India, nuclear electricity generation costs about $48.2/MWh, compared to $64-95/MWh for coal. In Russia, nuclear power is the cheapest at $27.4/MWh, while in China it is $50/MWh, compared to $71 for coal and $81 for gas.

An OECD study also finds that nuclear power is often cheaper than coal and gas in most countries.