Bangladesh's first nuclear energy project, the 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Ishwardi, Pabna, has achieved a pivotal milestone as the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) formally approved safety valve pressure test results, granting regulatory clearance to begin controlled nuclear fission inside Unit-1.
Following rigorous high-pressure 16 and 18-megapascal safety, fire, and radiation validation tests, the project is moving toward 'First Criticality'—establishing a self-sustaining controlled chain reaction in the reactor vessel. Project officials confirmed that subject to final commissioning tests, Unit-1 is scheduled to connect to the national grid next month for an initial trial supply of approximately 300 MW of electricity.
Constructed with technical support from Russia’s Rosatom featuring Generation III+ VVER-1200 technology, RNPP's twin units will eventually deliver 2,400 MW—meeting roughly 10 percent of Bangladesh's national electricity demand over an operational lifespan of 60 years. Senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology underscored that long-term, low-carbon nuclear power will diversify energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and accelerate national industrialization and economic growth.
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Reported by BSS • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
