Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may inaugurate the commercial operation of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at the end of August, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen electricity supply, improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam announced the timeline on Thursday while addressing a high-level strategic roundtable on nuclear energy in Rooppur.
“If everything goes according to plan, the prime minister may inaugurate the commercial operation of the plant at the end of August,” he said.
The minister said the plant’s first 1,200MW unit is expected to begin gradually supplying between 1,000MW and 1,100MW of electricity to the national grid from December.
The two-day event, titled “Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh’s Path Forward”, was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
According to Anam, fuel loading for the second unit is scheduled to begin in April 2027, while the entire project is expected to be completed by December 2027.
Once both units are fully operational, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will generate around 2,400MW of electricity. About 200MW will be consumed internally for plant operations, leaving approximately 2,200MW available for supply to the national grid.
The project is expected to become one of Bangladesh’s largest sources of baseload electricity, helping meet growing demand while reducing exposure to volatility in global oil, liquefied natural gas and coal markets.
The minister said electricity generated by the nuclear facility is expected to cost less than power produced by conventional fossil fuel-based plants, potentially lowering long-term generation costs and reducing pressure on public finances associated with fuel imports.
To determine the future tariff structure, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission is currently negotiating a power purchase agreement with the Bangladesh Power Development Board.
Anam described Rooppur as one of the safest nuclear power plants in the world, saying it uses advanced Generation III+ reactor technology equipped with multiple modern safety systems.
“Within the next five to seven years, people will witness the emergence of a megacity around the power plant, while load-shedding will become a thing of the past,” he said.
The minister also highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s direct involvement in overseeing the project, saying he has held several discussions with Russian counterparts regarding its progress and implementation.
Built with Russian cooperation, the nuclear power plant has been designed to operate for 60 years, with the possibility of extending its lifespan by a further 20 years. The facility is expected to provide a stable source of low-carbon electricity for decades, supporting industrial growth, economic development and Bangladesh’s long-term energy transition goals.
Anam said transparency and accountability remain central to the government’s approach to the project and called on the media to report responsibly.
“Transparency and accountability are the motto of this government,” he said, urging journalists to identify shortcomings where necessary while avoiding misinformation.
Among those attending the discussion were lawmakers Selim Reza Habib and Habibur Rahman, Science and Technology Secretary Anwar Hossain, senior government officials, energy experts, business leaders and journalists.
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