Rooppur Gets Fuel Loading License; Power Supply Likely by December

After overcoming various obstacles, the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received its commissioning licence. This will allow the plant to proceed with the electricity generation process.

Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed the development on Thursday (16 April).

Authorities said that following clearance from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) for fuel loading, there is now a possibility of loading uranium fuel into the first unit by the end of this April. If everything proceeds smoothly, electricity supply can begin gradually by December.

BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan told the media, “Although the ministry had decided on inauguration on 7 April, some critical issues arose. We gave time to resolve them. We also considered the loss the country was suffering due to the delay in starting the project. In a country with such a large population, we did not agree to fuel loading earlier due to safety concerns. We are making strong efforts with utmost sincerity to ensure maximum safety. Now the position is good. That is why we are all in agreement on fuel loading.”

Emphasising the highest safety standards, he said, “I will personally be present during fuel loading in the first unit. If necessary, I will stay awake all night. I believe there is no chance of any accident. If any accident happens due to a mistake, I will be the first to give my life.”

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is a 2.4 gigawatt facility located in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district. It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, being built with assistance from Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.

Although the first unit was scheduled for final handover on 13 October 2024 and the second on 17 October 2025, the project timeline was extended by two years in February 2024, setting the new target for 2027.