Collected Photo The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna has entered the power startup phase, marking a significant step towards beginning electricity generation at the country's first nuclear power facility.
On Thursday (October 29), the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted approval for the first unit to move to the power startup stage, also known as Stage-C.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam confirmed the development to the media on Friday.
According to project sources, the power startup phase will involve gradually increasing the reactor's power level while testing the performance of the reactor, turbine, generator and safety systems.
Once the necessary tests are completed successfully, the plant will move towards trial electricity generation and connection to the national grid.
Earlier, the first unit completed the required tests under the commissioning stages known as Stage B1 and Stage B2. The tests were conducted with Russian assistance in accordance with the guidelines and safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The first unit achieved initial criticality on October 11, marking a major milestone in the commissioning process. Criticality refers to the establishment of a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction inside the reactor.
Before reaching this stage, the project faced technical complications involving the automatic pressure relief valve. The issue was subsequently resolved with assistance from Russian specialists, allowing the commissioning process to move forward.
Power Generation to Increase GraduallyDuring the power startup phase, the reactor's power level will be increased gradually. At each stage, engineers will assess the performance of the equipment and safety systems.
Once the reactor reaches the required power level, further tests will be conducted to operate the turbine and generator and establish a connection with the national electricity grid.
Project officials expect that approximately 300 megawatts of electricity could initially be supplied to the national grid once the first unit reaches the required operational stage and receives the necessary regulatory clearances.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being built with Russian assistance and consists of two units, each with an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
Upon completion and full operation, the two units will have a combined generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts, making the facility a major addition to Bangladesh's electricity generation capacity.
FP/MIB
