Marking an extraordinary historic milestone, Bangladesh has officially entered the nuclear power generation era. Experimental power generation (Power Start-Up) has successfully commenced at the first unit of the country’s inaugural nuclear facility, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Ishwardi, Pabna.
The historic power initiation process was launched on Friday (October 30) at 12:00 PM by initiating the nuclear reaction within the reactor core. The electricity generated is currently being utilized for the plant’s internal operational requirements.
Internal testing and steam turbine diagnostic checks are currently underway at RNPP Unit-1. Following the successful completion of the B-2 phase physics tests, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted formal approval to ramp up reactor power.
Reactor capacity is being systematically increased in controlled stages. Once electricity generation reaches 300 megawatts (MW), a second-phase comprehensive technical inspection will be conducted. Upon receiving final technical safety clearances, trial commercial electricity supply to the Bangladesh Power Development Board’s (BPDB) national grid will begin.
With the successful operationalization of the 1,200 MW first unit and rapid construction progress on the second 1,200 MW unit, Bangladesh firmly consolidates its position as the 33rd nation globally to harness nuclear power for civilian energy needs.
