Rosatom Expects Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s First Unit to Generate Power in November

Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom expects the first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to begin generating electricity between November 20 and the final week of the month. The company also said discussions are underway regarding the potential expansion of Bangladesh’s nuclear power sector.

The information was disclosed in a press release issued by Rosatom’s public relations department on Sunday, October 11. According to the release, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev made the remarks following a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, who is currently visiting Russia.

Likhachev said the anticipated start of electricity generation from the first unit had generated renewed interest in expanding nuclear power cooperation with Bangladesh. However, he noted that discussions about future projects remain preliminary and that the final decision rests with the government and people of Bangladesh.

Nuclear Fuel Loading Marks a Key Milestone
Rosatom’s engineering division began loading nuclear fuel, or uranium, into the first unit of the Rooppur plant on April 28. The company described the operation as a crucial step in the unit’s commissioning process.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is being developed under an agreement signed in 2011. Its two units have a combined generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts.

Rosatom had previously indicated that commissioning activities for the plant’s second unit were expected to begin next year.

Bangladesh Explores Further Nuclear Power Options
Likhachev said Bangladesh had also expressed interest in Rosatom’s other advanced technologies beyond large-scale nuclear power plants.

According to him, Bangladesh’s prime minister and relevant ministers have sought information about the feasibility of establishing small-scale and floating nuclear power plants.

These technologies could feature in future discussions about expanding Bangladesh’s electricity generation capacity. However, Rosatom has not announced a final decision on any additional nuclear power project.

The expected start of generation at Rooppur’s first unit and ongoing discussions about potential expansion mark important developments in Bangladesh’s nuclear energy programme.