Fuel loading is set to begin formally at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi of Pabna, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s power sector.
Once operational, the country’s first nuclear power facility is expected to have a standard lifespan of 60 years, during which it will provide uninterrupted electricity. With proper maintenance and necessary upgrades, its operational life could be extended by a further 30 years.
The formal commencement of operations on Tuesday (28 April) represents a significant step towards full completion of the long-anticipated project. It will also place Bangladesh among the nations utilising nuclear energy.
According to several media reports, the initial projected cost per unit of electricity was Tk6, but internal sources now suggest it could rise to Tk12. Despite this, the plant is being viewed as a landmark achievement in ensuring energy security and advancing technological capability.
Officials said uranium fuel would be loaded into the reactor of the plant’s first unit on Tuesday. However, more than a hundred tests and checks will still be required before full operation.
Electricity generation will be connected to the national grid in phases over the coming months.
Once fuel is loaded, the reactor can operate continuously for about 18 months, reducing the need for frequent procurement of fuel such as oil, gas or coal. After that period, roughly one-third of the fuel will need to be replaced.
Each of the plant’s two units has a generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
For the first unit, 163 uranium fuel bundles will be required for the reactor. Each bundle consists of rods containing 15 uranium fuel plates. Bangladesh procured 168 such bundles two years ago, of which five will be kept in reserve.
The installation of the uranium bundles is expected to take around 40 to 45 days. Following this, heat will be generated through nuclear fission, producing steam to drive turbines and ultimately generate electricity.
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