Bangladesh has issued an operating licence for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, after completing inspections of primary equipment and confirming the reactor is ready for first criticality, World Nuclear News reports.
The checks verified system design characteristics following operation at nominal parameters. Dummy fuel assemblies were removed from the reactor core, commissioning work on handling and transport systems was completed, and the refuelling machine was tested in both dry and underwater modes. Boric acid flushing of the primary circuit was also completed, ensuring no chemically demineralised water remained in the system, according to Rosenergoatom, part of Rosatom.
The licence was granted by the Bangladesh Nuclear Regulatory Authority on April 16. The Nuclear Power Corporation of Bangladesh said the launch of the first unit would mark a significant milestone in the country’s nuclear power development, WNN adds.
Alexey Deriy, vice-president for Bangladesh projects at Rosatom’s Atomstroyexport, said the next stage will be first criticality, when 163 fuel assemblies are loaded into the reactor core. During 2026, the unit is expected to reach minimum controlled power before progressing to power start-up and grid connection.
Local media reports indicate fuel loading is scheduled to begin within days.
Nuclear reactor commissioning involves multiple stages of testing under strict regulatory oversight, continuing after first criticality, with output increased incrementally alongside safety checks at each level.
Under a 2011 agreement, Rosatom will build two reactors at Rooppur, about 160km from Dhaka, for the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. The initial $12.65bn contract was signed in December 2015. Site licensing was granted in June 2016, enabling preliminary works including geological surveys.
Construction of unit 1 began in November 2017, followed by unit 2 in July 2018. Each reactor has an initial operating life of 60 years, with the option of a 20-year extension.
The first batch of nuclear fuel was delivered in October 2023, marking the site’s transition to nuclear facility status.
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