The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received final approval to commence power generation.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted this approval on Thursday, October 8.

Following the successful completion of all prior tests and evaluations, the country's sole nuclear power plant is set to enter a self-sustaining chain reaction for the first time.

This marks the beginning of the gradual, stable, and safe generation of energy and electricity within the reactor.

Built with Russian assistance and in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, the project's first unit has largely completed its "Stage B-1" phase. Issues regarding the final automatic pressure relief valve test have also been successfully resolved.

The subsequent phase is "Stage B-2," during which the nuclear reactor is prepared for initial operation.

This will be followed by criticality—the stage where a self-sustaining chain reaction, or nuclear fission, is established.

Through this process, the reactor will gradually begin stable and safe power generation.

Progressing successfully through these phases, the plant will reach a generation capacity of up to 300 megawatts, after which commercial electricity supply to the national grid will begin.