Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: 'Fuel Loading' Commences Today

Bangladesh enters the final stage of nuclear power generation as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) reaches a historic milestone. The "fuel loading" process for the plant's first unit is scheduled to begin this afternoon, Tuesday (April 28).

A Historic Ceremony
The momentous event will be attended by members of the Cabinet, along with the Director General of Rosatom (the Russian contractor) and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The formal ceremony will mark the beginning of uranium loading into the reactor core.

Timeline for Power Generation
The initiation of fuel loading marks the transition into the final testing and commissioning phases. Officials expect the following timeline for the first unit's integration into the national grid:

August: Approximately 300 MW of electricity is expected during the experimental phase.

October: Production is projected to scale up to 500 MW.

December 2026 – January 2027: The first unit, with a total capacity of 1,200 MW, is expected to reach full commercial production.

Official Statements
Minister for Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, confirmed that the goal is to supply the first 300 MW between August 15 and 21. He expressed optimism that the grid will receive over 1,000 MW by the end of this year or the very beginning of 2027.

Policy makers noted that once the first unit is operational, work will accelerate to bring the second unit online. The government aims to have the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant operating at its full total capacity by 2027, providing a stable and massive boost to the country's energy security.