Rooppur power supply: Ensuring grid stability now key task
After fuel loading of the first unit last Tuesday, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority has already begun close monitoring
Highlights
- Grid stability is the main challenge, with strict 50 Hz control needed
- Power will start at 300 MW and gradually rise to full capacity
- Regular inspections and monitoring every five days
- Staff shortages persist despite ongoing training and hiring efforts
Following fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the biggest immediate challenge is ensuring grid stability for electricity generation. No other major risks are currently visible, Mahmudul Hasan, chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), has said.
After fuel loading of the first unit on Tuesday (28 April), the BAERA has already begun close monitoring.
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Mahmudul Hasan told TBS yesterday that once 300 megawatts of generation begins, electricity will be supplied to the national grid as the grid's capability must also be tested. "A nuclear power grid is different from grids used for gas or coal-based plants, where frequency control is critically important and must remain at 50 hertz," he said.
He added decisions would be taken after reviewing frequency, voltage and other technical indicators, while load levels would also be determined accordingly. Even slight fluctuations in grid frequency can create major risks and may automatically shut down the plant if levels fall below the required threshold.
He said the relevant authorities, including the Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, had repeatedly been warned to follow international standards. He added that he personally visited offices concerned and provided nuclear grid guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Mahmudul Hasan said safety issues at the project would be monitored regularly. Initial inspections have already been completed, and further visits will take place every five days for tests and inspections. Reactor operations, boric acid levels, radiation and all other data will be measured and recorded regularly.
"Electricity generation will be increased gradually – first 300 megawatts, then progressively towards full capacity – with close monitoring at every stage," said Mahmudul.
He said the inspection process would continue on a fixed schedule, with visits, data collection and documentation every five days to ensure safe and effective plant operation.
According to project officials, electricity from the first unit of Rooppur is expected to be added to the national grid around December or January.
Mahmudul expressed hope that output from the first unit would initially rise to 900 to 1,000MW before reaching the full 1,200MW capacity later.
On manpower shortages, the BAERA chairman admitted the authority lacks sufficient staff, with around half of required posts vacant. He said new recruitment through government procedures takes time, making a quick solution difficult. Discussions are under way at higher levels.
"Many personnel are being sent to Russia for training, while several have already returned after earning advanced degrees," he added.
Regarding the second unit, he said it would be launched after completing trial operations similar to the first unit. Instructions have been given to complete fuel loading for the second unit by April next year, roughly within a year.
He said an earlier announcement had set 7 December of last year as the fuel loading date for the first unit, but all preparations had not been completed then. No licence was issued until all conditions were fulfilled. He said fire safety arrangements were not satisfactory at that stage, but were later corrected following intervention by the Prime Minister, allowing the licence to be granted.
He added that the second unit would face the same level of scrutiny.
"The first unit received its operational licence only after all verification procedures were completed. A separate licence will be required for the second unit, just as each vehicle requires its own licence," he said.
Mahmudul said Russian contractors had been instructed to complete preparations so fuel loading can take place next April, because delays would also postpone the country's benefits from the project.
On future plans, he said there is room to install more units at the same site, and smaller units such as 600MW could also be considered. However, such decisions depend entirely on the government and would be finalised through parliamentary discussions. Future participation by different technologies or other countries also cannot be ruled out.
