Bangladesh is entering the era of nuclear power generation, with a historic milestone centered on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna; on Tuesday, April 28, fuel loading operations officially began at the first unit, marking the country’s entry into the final stage of electricity production, as uranium fuel is being inserted into the nuclear reactor after years of construction, opening the path to actual power generation; the significant ceremony was attended by high-level government officials, the head of Russia’s state nuclear energy authority, and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency, while its Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi conveyed his message virtually; according to officials, once fuel loading and testing phases are successfully completed, around 300 megawatts of electricity is expected to be added to the national grid by mid-August, which will gradually increase to 500 megawatts and eventually reach full capacity of 1200 megawatts by the end of the year or early 2027; when fully operational, both units together will generate 2400 megawatts of electricity, of which approximately 2200 megawatts will be supplied to the national grid, playing a vital role in meeting the electricity demand of nearly 20 million people; policymakers আশা that after the first unit begins operation, the second unit will follow quickly, and by 2027 the entire project will reach full capacity, opening a new horizon in the country’s energy sector and contributing significantly to industrial growth, economic development, and energy security.
Fuel loading begins in Rooppur, Bangladesh enters final phase of nuclear power generation
