Rooppur nuclear plant begins testing power generation process

Mahmudul Hasan, chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), has confirmed that the formal primary power generation activities (power start-up) have begun at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP). At the same time, the electricity generated from this plant has started being used for its own internal operations on Friday (October 30).

He said that after completing all tests and observations, Baera approved this power start-up on Thursday. Experimental activities and power generation at Unit-1 then began from this morning. Turbine checking and various technical tests of the plant are currently being completed step by step.

Baera Chairman further said that overall tests will be conducted again after the generation capacity reaches 300 megawatts. If everything is found satisfactory, final approval will be given for supplying electricity to the national grid.

According to project sources, Unit-1 will have to obtain ‘D Certification’ before the first nuclear power supply to the national grid. It may take another 15 to 20 days to reach the next stage of experimental power supply to the grid.

Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, has informed that supply of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor of Unit-2 of Rooppur has started. Before commercial launch, this unit will also have to gradually pass the necessary power ascent tests and all approvals of the regulatory authority.

The under-construction two-unit power plant at Rooppur in Pabna is using Russia’s third-generation VVER-1200 reactors, with a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Rosatom’s Engineering Division is working as the general designer and general contractor of this project.

When the Rooppur power plant officially starts supplying electricity to the national grid, Bangladesh will emerge as the 33rd nuclear power producing country in the world, marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s energy security and technological advancement.