Bangladesh enters nuclear power era as fuel loading begins at Rooppur
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said the first reactor is expected to start commercial production in August.
Bangladesh has formally entered the nuclear power era with the start of fuel loading at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant today (28 April), a milestone that sets the stage for the country's first nuclear-generated electricity to be added to the national grid in the coming months.
With this development, Bangladesh has become the 33rd country in the world to generate electricity using nuclear energy.
Uranium fuel loading began after 3:30pm at the plant in Ishwardi, Pabna, marking what officials described as the start of the production process. Authorities said the process is expected to take between 21 and 30 days to complete.
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Faqir Mahbub Anam, minister for science and technology, gave symbolic permission to load nuclear fuel into the first power unit, with Alexey Likhachev, head of Rosatom, also present at the ceremony, according to a Rosatom press release, reports UNB.
Officials said the fuel loading phase forms part of a critical commissioning stage. Once completed, the reactor will be brought to the minimum controlled level (MCL), where a stable and controllable power level is achieved, before output is gradually increased.
The project will then move to the power start-up stage, when electricity generated from the plant will be supplied to the national grid.
Faqir said the first reactor is expected to begin commercial production in August. "By the first week of January next year, around 1,100MW of electricity from the 1,200MW capacity Unit 1 will be supplied to the national grid," he said at the inauguration.
The minister further said all activities were being carried out in line with international standards. "Safety is the first priority of Bangladesh. This nuclear power plant will further advance the historic relations between Dhaka and Moscow," he said.
He added that around 300MW of electricity could be generated commercially from the first unit by the end of July or early 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.
A technical expert involved in the project also said electricity generation would initially begin at around 1% capacity, gradually rising from 2% to 30%, with an expected early output of about 300MW. Electricity from the first unit is expected to be added to the national grid between late July and early August.
Likhachev said, "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."
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a press release today congratulated Bangladesh on the historic achievement.
He said the milestone marks Bangladesh's journey towards becoming one of the newest state to use nuclear energy in its energy mix and to generate reliable, low-carbon electricity.
He noted that the development represents a long-term commitment that brings both long-term benefits and responsibilities, adding that it is also an opportunity to recommit to safety, security and safeguards.
What fuel loading involves
Fuel loading is one of the most sensitive and technically complex stages in commissioning a nuclear power plant. It involves placing uranium fuel into the reactor core to enable controlled nuclear reactions.
Instead of fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil, nuclear plants use small uranium pellets weighing about 4.5 to 5 grams. These pellets are encased in zirconium alloy tubes to form fuel rods, which are then bundled into fuel assemblies.
At Unit 1, a total of 163 such fuel assemblies will be installed inside the reactor core using a specialised automated refuelling machine. The system has already been tested using dummy assemblies to ensure operational readiness.
The process is being carried out under strict safety protocols, with trained Bangladeshi operators working alongside experts from Rosatom. During loading, the reactor vessel remains filled with water to help shield radiation.
Each assembly has a predetermined position within the core, as the configuration directly affects reactor performance and safety. After installation, control rods – which regulate the nuclear reaction – will be tested to ensure proper functioning.
Once completed, the reactor will be brought to a minimum controlled power level in a phase known as "first criticality", where a controlled chain reaction begins.
Explaining the technical aspects, former project director Shaukat Akbar said each fuel assembly is about 4.6 metres long and weighs roughly 750kg, containing approximately 534kg of fuel.
He noted that each uranium pellet, despite weighing only a few grams, can produce energy equivalent to about one tonne of coal and can power a household for several months without emitting toxic fumes or carbon.
Project details, progress
Located about 160 kilometres from Dhaka, the Rooppur plant is being constructed with Russian economic and technical assistance under a general contract signed with Russia in December 2015, following an earlier survey agreement in 2013.
The project, estimated to cost $12.65 billion, consists of two units with a combined generation capacity of 2,400MW, each capable of producing 1,200MW. It uses Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactor technology, regarded as among the most advanced designs, incorporating both active and passive safety systems, multiple layers of protection and a core catcher.
Russia has supplied the uranium fuel for the plant and will continue to provide fuel throughout its operation. Under the agreement, the plant will initially be operated with Russian support, with Bangladeshi personnel working alongside and gradually taking over leadership within three years.
Once completed, the plant will be operated by the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh. The facility is designed to operate for 60 years, with the possibility of extending its lifespan to up to 100 years, according to project experts.
Construction of the first unit has been completed, enabling the start of fuel loading and production processes, while work on the second unit is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
