Rooppur’s journey from vision to reality

The country’s long-awaited nuclear journey formally began on 28 April this year with the insertion of nuclear fuel into the reactor core of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), while the complete fuel loading process was successfully concluded on 12 May.

In an exclusive interview with the Ishwardi correspondent of The New Nation Swapan Kumar Kundu, Dr Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), spoke about the plant’s safety systems, operational preparedness, workforce development, fuel security and future challenges.

Question: How will safety be ensured in the VVER-1200 technology used at Rooppur?

Dr Hasan: The VVER-1200 reactor is an advanced Generation III+ technology designed by Russia’s Rosatom. Following IAEA recommendations, the plant incorporates the “Defence-in-Depth” principle, where multiple layers of safety systems operate simultaneously.

The reactor includes advanced active and passive safety systems, such as automatic shutdown mechanisms, Emergency Core Cooling Systems, a Double Containment Structure, Core Catcher and Hydrogen Recombiners.

Even in the event of a complete station blackout, the reactor can remain cooled automatically without electricity or human intervention.

Lessons from the Fukushima disaster have also been incorporated, making the technology significantly safer than older reactor designs.

Question: Has Rooppur fulfilled international nuclear safety requirements?
Dr Hasan: Yes. Rooppur has strictly followed IAEA safety standards from the beginning, including site selection, reactor design, radiation protection, quality assurance and emergency preparedness.

The project has undergone several IAEA review missions, including site reviews, safety assessments and operational readiness evaluations. Bangladesh has successfully passed all major reviews.

However, nuclear safety is a continuous process, and regular inspections, upgrades and training will continue even after commercial operation begins.

Question: How will the plant’s safety and monitoring systems operate?
Dr Hasan: Rooppur’s safety management system is highly advanced and automated. More than 7,000 interlocks and safety functions are integrated into the plant.

These systems can automatically detect abnormal conditions and activate necessary protection mechanisms.

Even in an extreme situation without operators, the reactor can safely shut itself down.

Operations will be monitored round the clock from the Main Control Room, while the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) will maintain continuous oversight.

The plant also completed the IAEA pre-OSART mission in 2025.

Question: What major challenges did Bangladesh face during implementation?
Dr Hasan: Financing such a large-scale project was initially a major challenge, which was resolved through long-term cooperation with Rosatom.

Another challenge involved stabilising the soil to meet international seismic safety requirements.

Advanced cement injection technology transformed the site into a semi-rock structure capable of withstanding seismic activity.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic also created difficulties related to international transactions, equipment supply and logistics.

However, alternative supply chains and phased workforce management allowed the project to continue.

Question: What challenges do you foresee during operation?
Dr Hasan: One of the biggest challenges will be maintaining national grid stability.

Nuclear plants provide baseload electricity, so grid frequency and load balance are critical.

The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Power Development Board are strengthening transmission lines, substations and real-time grid monitoring systems to ensure uninterrupted power delivery.

Retaining skilled manpower and maintaining a strong nuclear safety culture will also remain important.

Question: How many trained personnel are ready for Unit-1?
Dr Hasan: More than 1,000 training activities have already been completed in Russia and at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant.

Training included classroom instruction, simulator exercises and practical onsite experience.

So far, 51 NPCBL personnel have received licences from BAERA after completing examinations and obtaining Independent Work Permits.

More than 1,500 additional operational and support staff are currently gaining practical experience.

Question: How secure is the fuel supply for Rooppur?
Dr Hasan: Bangladesh has signed a long-term agreement with Russia’s TVEL to ensure uninterrupted nuclear fuel supply despite global market uncertainties.

Alternative fuel sources are theoretically possible, but they would require technical verification, regulatory approvals and compliance with IAEA standards.

Question: How will nuclear waste be managed?
Dr Hasan: Spent fuel will initially be stored in specially designed cooling pools for around 10 years.

Bangladesh and Russia have also signed an intergovernmental agreement covering long-term spent fuel management, including reprocessing or return arrangements.

Question: When will Rooppur achieve full operational capability?
Dr Hasan: According to international experience and IAEA guidelines, a modern Generation III+ nuclear power plant typically requires three to five years to achieve full mature operational capability.

Through continuous training, operational experience and international cooperation, Rooppur is expected to reach that stage within the next few years.