Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation, has commenced the supply of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor at Unit-2 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
Rosatom disclosed this information through a press release issued on Thursday (October 29) morning.
The release stated that the first consignment of fuel assemblies produced at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant—an enterprise of Rosatom’s fuel division—recently arrived in Bangladesh via a special cargo flight.
Previously, all necessary fresh fuel shipments for the first refueling of Unit-1 arrived in Bangladesh from Siberia. This refueling is scheduled to take place after the completion of the reactor's first fuel cycle.
Upon arrival at the Rooppur plant site, the fuel containers were transferred to a designated fresh nuclear fuel storage facility. To ensure that technical specifications and nuclear safety requirements are strictly met, all fuel assemblies must undergo mandatory visual and instrumental inspections.
This inspection will be conducted through a joint commission comprising representatives from Bangladesh, the general contractor, and the fuel manufacturer, strictly adhering to nuclear and radiation safety regulations.
In 2026, Rosatom’s engineering division completed the initial loading of nuclear fuel into the VVER-1200 reactor core of Unit-1. Subsequently, the reactor reached its minimum controllable power level this month, marking a major milestone toward electricity generation.
Prior to grid connection and subsequent trial commercial operations, the unit must undergo power ascension testing and obtain necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.
Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, Rooppur NPP, features two Russian-designed Generation 3+ VVER-1200 reactors with a total generating capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Rosatom’s engineering division is serving as the project's chief designer and general contractor.
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Reported by M. S. Rahman.Staff Reporter. Pabna • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
