Nuclear fuel loading at RNPP set for 28 April
Preparations are underway to begin uranium fuel loading at Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), on April 28. This marks a major milestone toward the commissioning of the country’s first nuclear power facility.
Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, told The New Nation on Friday morning that the date for the fuel loading ceremony has been finalised following discussions with all stakeholders and Russian authorities. He described the step as a crucial phase prior to commissioning.
He also said that Minister of Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam, State Minister-level Adviser to the Prime Minister Rehan Asif Azad, Director General of Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom Alexei Likhachev, representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and senior representatives of the Russian government are expected to be present at the event.
According to the secretary, “Initial electricity generation from Unit-1 may begin within three months of the process starting-that is, by the end of July or early August. About 300MW is expected in the initial stage, with output gradually increasing to full capacity by January 2027.”
Earlier, on April 16, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority granted the commissioning licence for Unit-1. At the same time, operating licences were issued to Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), along with licences for 52 operators.
The fuel loading, originally scheduled for April 7, was postponed due to licensing issues. BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan said that after resolving several critical technical matters, the situation became favourable, allowing the licence to be issued.
Managing Director of NPCBL, Dr Md Zahedul Hasan, said, “A total of 52 specialists have obtained licences by successfully passing written, oral, and simulation tests conducted under international standards. The plant will be operated jointly with Russian experts.”
He added that after fuel loading, a final safety analysis report will be prepared following tests conducted at various stages. The commissioning process is very rigorous and challenging.
If all stages are successfully completed, experimental power generation will begin within three months and will gradually reach full capacity. The entire process will take about 10 to 11 months to complete.
According to Dr Zahedul, NPCBL operators have already demonstrated their capability to operate the plant jointly with Russian counterparts during preparatory tests, which is a positive step toward ensuring safe and efficient operation. He expressed optimism that the project will play a transformative role in Bangladesh’s power sector and strengthen energy security.
Meanwhile, ahead of the fuel loading programme, a community engagement meeting (“Uthan Baithak”) was held on April 23 in nearby Char Sahapur to raise awareness and strengthen local participation.
The event was organised by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, where local residents were briefed on safety, environmental impact, technical aspects, and the socio-economic benefits of the project.
Project Director Dr Md Kabir Hossain said, “Local community engagement is essential for the successful implementation of a large national project.” He urged people to avoid rumours and rely on official sources for accurate information.
Energy experts believe that once operational, the plant will help reduce power shortages and lessen dependence on expensive imported fuels amid global energy market volatility.
Notably, the $12.65 billion project, built on the banks of the Padma River, features two VVER-1200 reactors with financial and technical support from Russia. Once both units are operational, the plant will generate 2,400MW of electricity, meeting more than 10 percent of the country’s total demand.
