RNPP at threshold of nuclear fuel loading
Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
A special expert delegation from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA), Russia’s industrial and occupational safety oversight body-VO Safety-and other Russian regulatory agencies conducted a detailed and comprehensive inspection of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant from 7-20 November.
BAERA Chairman Md. Mahmudul Hasan confirmed the development to The New Nation on Wednesday (26 November).
According to project officials, the inspection team reviewed human resources of the operating company-Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd. (NPCBL)-as well as various equipment used in the project, multiple systems and facilities, and operational documentation.
In addition, the delegation examined the progress of commissioning activities, different installations, startup and coordination protocols, and certification documents.
NPCBL Managing Director Dr. Zahedul Hasan oversaw matters related to physical startup and the regulatory supervision process, while the organization’s Chief Inspector Md. Yamin Ali coordinated the activities.
Physical startup and nuclear fuel loading constitute one of the most critical milestones in launching a nuclear power plant.
At this stage, nuclear fuel is loaded into the reactor for the first time, followed by power startup operations-during which various systems of the plant undergo testing, and controlled nuclear reactions are initiated in the reactor at limited levels.
NPCBL Managing Director Dr. Zahedul Hasan stated that the organization has already completed three major inspection missions.
These include a two-week experimental pre-OSART mission and a three-week pre-OSART mission conducted by the IAEA, and most recently, a two-week joint inspection by BAERA, VO Safety, and the Russian regulatory body Rostekhnadzor.
In addition, NPCBL and RosEnergoAtom have been conducting regular self-assessment activities.
He said BAERA evaluated the physical startup readiness of the Rooppur project by prioritizing safety, security, and safeguards above all.
During this time, they reviewed NPCBL’s observations and recommendations and worked on effective solutions based on those inputs.
Following the inspection, Dr. Hasan noted that the expert team expressed satisfaction with the overall progress and management of the project.
The team also provided several recommendations to further strengthen the project’s safety and security. NPCBL is currently working to implement these recommendations.
Once the implementation is completed, a report will be sent to BAERA. After reviewing and finding the report satisfactory, BAERA will issue authorization and license for physical startup and the first-ever loading of nuclear fuel.
Contacted for comments, BAERA Chairman Md. Mahmudul Hasan said the physical startup readiness inspection has been completed with the highest priority placed on safety, security, and safeguards.
He added that recommendations from Russia’s regulatory authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are also required for startup or fuel loading.
BAERA will issue the fuel-loading permit only upon receiving proper recommendations.
It is noteworthy that in addition to approvals from the General Designer (Rosatom Engineering Division), Reactor Plant Designer (Gidropress), Russia’s National Nuclear Research Center “Kurchatov Institute,” and BAERA, an assessment report from VO Safety is also essential for permitting fuel loading at the Rooppur project.