Fuel loading at RNPP deferrers again
The scheduled fuel (uranium) loading for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) on April 7 has been postponed due to the absence of the required license. Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed the matter.
The approval for fuel loading has not yet been granted by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority due to certain complications related to fire safety. As a result, the process cannot begin as per the scheduled timeline.
This mega project, the most expensive in the country, has overcome numerous challenges and is now visibly nearing completion. However, the timeline for commencing operations has been delayed multiple times. Although uranium fuel for the first unit was brought from Russia nearly two years ago, it has not yet been utilized.
According to a letter issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on March 15, the fuel loading inauguration for the first unit was scheduled for April 7.
It was also announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Russian President Vladimir Putin would join the event virtually. Before fuel loading, obtaining a license from the International Atomic Energy Agency-supervised BAERA is mandatory. A meeting was held until late Tuesday night (March 31) to this end, but the final approval was not granted.
BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said, “Although everything was in place, some critical issues have emerged. Time has been given to resolve them. The delay will not be long-just a few days. Ensuring maximum safety is our top priority.”
Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), Dr. Zahedul Hasan, stated that a comprehensive safety system test was completed in November. To assess the readiness for physical startup (fuel loading), expert teams from BAERA, Russia’s industrial and occupational safety authority, and other regulatory bodies conducted detailed inspections from November 7 to 20. During this period, 257 observations were identified. Some of these require re-evaluation and additional assessments. He expressed hope that these issues will be resolved within a few days and the license will be obtained soon.
Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain said, “We have submitted all necessary documents for fuel loading. However, as an independent regulatory body, BAERA has identified some additional observations. In particular, some work remains regarding the firefighting and fire safety systems. These will take some time to complete.”
He added that the fire service department will conduct another inspection. A new date for fuel loading will be announced after the license is granted.
Fixing the inauguration date in advance coordinating with the heads of government of Bangladesh and Russia before obtaining the license has created an awkward situation for the Ministry of Science and Technology. After a late-night meeting at the Science Building on Tuesday, it was officially announced that the inauguration would be postponed.
Meanwhile, a team from Rosatom, the main contractor of the project, has already arrived in Bangladesh. More high-level representatives are expected to join soon.
In the current global context, concerns over an energy crisis are increasing. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have created uncertainties in energy supply, which may put pressure on Bangladesh’s gas and power sectors. In such a situation, experts view the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a crucial alternative energy source.
It is worth noting that the project is being implemented under an agreement with Russia, with an estimated cost of $12.6 billion (approximately Tk 1.13 trillion). The agreement was signed in 2013, and construction began in 2015.
Construction of the first unit has been completed, with commercial operation expected in the first half of 2027. The second unit is still under construction and is likely to be completed by the end of next year. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2028.
If everything proceeds as planned, the first unit will supply 1,200 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, followed by an additional 1,200 megawatts from the second unit.
