Bangladesh has taken a major step towards becoming a nuclear energy-producing nation as fuel loading began at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) on Tuesday afternoon, marking the final stage before the start of electricity generation.
Officials at the RNPP confirmed that the uranium loading into the reactor began after 3:30pm, initiating a process that will take between 21 and 45 days, according to different technical estimates. Once completed, the plant will move into phased trial electricity production before reaching full commercial operation, which is expected between late July and August, with some projections extending to December 2026 or early 2027 for full-scale output.
Former project director of the nuclear power plant Dr Shuwkat Akbor said the fuel loading process may take around 21 to 34 days, after which production activities will begin. Technical experts noted that initial electricity generation will start at about 1 per cent capacity and gradually increase to up to 30 per cent, with an expected early output of 300 megawatts added to the national grid.
While formally inaugurating the fuel loading “Physical Start-Up of Unit-1” at the project site in Ishwardi of Pabna, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahabub Anam said all procedures are being conducted in line with international safety standards.
He added that safety remains Bangladesh’s top priority and described the project as a milestone in Dhaka-Moscow relations.
A video message from Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, congratulated Bangladesh on the development.
He said Bangladesh has joined countries using peaceful nuclear energy for sustainable development, adding that the Rooppur plant will become a key element of the national energy system.
Senior international and local officials attended the event included Alexey Likhachev of Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad.
Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Md Anwar Hossain was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
Earlier in Dhaka, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman briefed reporters at the Secretariat, saying the first unit will initially supply around 300 megawatts of electricity, meeting nearly 10 per cent of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand and benefiting about two crore people.
He said fuel loading marks a historic step forward in Bangladesh’s technological and energy advancement.
According to project officials, electricity from the plant is expected to be added to the national grid between July and early August this year.
The Russian side confirmed that fuel is being supplied under the agreement with Bangladesh, while operational support and training are also being provided. Initially, Russian operators will manage the plant, with Bangladeshi personnel working alongside them before gradually taking over leadership responsibilities within three years.
The RNPP is being built by Rosatom under agreements signed in 2013 (survey) and 2015 (construction). The project cost is estimated at $12.65 billion and includes two units with a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts, using advanced III+ VVER-1200 reactor technology.
Each unit has a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, with a projected operational lifespan of 60 years, extendable up to 100 years. Construction of Unit-1 has been completed, while Unit-2 is still under development and expected to be finished by late next year.
Officials at the RNPP described the fuel loading phase as a historic milestone, bringing Bangladesh into the global nuclear energy community and significantly strengthening its long-term energy security.
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