Bangladesh is set to join the ranks of nuclear energy-producing nations as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins uranium fuel loading in its first unit, marking a major milestone after years of development.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority issued the license on April 16, clearing the way for fuel insertion under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which confirmed compliance with global safety standards.
Located in Ishurdi upazila of Pabna, the plant is expected to start the fuel loading process on Tuesday, a procedure that officials say will take at least 45 days to complete.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam described the development as a “historic moment,” noting that the project is progressing under the prime minister’s direct guidance.
According to The Financial Express, experimental electricity generation could begin within three months of fuel loading, with an initial supply of around 300 megawatts to the national grid before gradually reaching full capacity.
The $12.65 billion project, built with support from Russia’s Rosatom, will ultimately consist of two units with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts enough to meet roughly 10 percent of the country’s electricity demand.
Experts say fuel loading marks the transition to “first criticality,” when a controlled nuclear chain reaction begins, paving the way for full-scale power generation. Safety oversight remains strict, with continued adherence to international protocols throughout the commissioning phase.
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