Despite multiple extensions to its construction deadline, Bangladesh’s most expensive infrastructure project, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, has yet to begin electricity generation. However, in a significant development, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority has recently issued a commissioning licence for fuel loading in the plant’s first unit.
Officials describe this step as the final stage towards electricity production, marking the transition of the project into its operational phase.
The government has stated that electricity generated from the plant is expected to be integrated into the national grid by December this year. Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said that the fuel loading of the first unit will be inaugurated later this month by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin may participate virtually in the inauguration ceremony.
According to the minister, fuel loading will formally initiate the core operational phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with a target of supplying around 1,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by the end of the year.
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Expert assessment of operational timeline
Energy specialists, however, indicate that after nuclear fuel is introduced into the reactor, multiple testing phases must be completed before commercial electricity production can begin. This process typically takes between six and twelve months.
Professor Md Shafiqul Islam of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Dhaka explained that the plant may undergo temporary shutdowns during testing, while full commercial operation, once commenced, will continue in long operational cycles. He noted that the system is designed for approximately 18-month operational cycles.
He further stated that before commercial operation is authorised, grid capacity and transmission infrastructure must be fully operational and tested alongside plant systems.
Fuel loading and commissioning process
Specialists emphasise that fuel loading is a highly sensitive stage in nuclear power generation. It involves inserting nuclear fuel into the reactor core and gradually preparing the system for controlled power production.
The process is governed by strict international safety standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which must be followed at every stage of nuclear plant construction and operation.
Professor Shafiqul Islam explained that following fuel loading, a series of tests will be conducted, after which a final safety analysis report will be prepared and reviewed by the regulatory authority. He added that this phase constitutes a pilot operation lasting approximately six months to one year, during which synchronization with the power grid and performance of turbines, generators, and emergency systems are thoroughly assessed.
He also stated that fuel loading itself is a sensitive procedure that may take around 40 to 45 days. Before reaching the Commercial Operation Date (COD), additional approvals are required.
Once fully operational, the reactor is expected to run at around 90 percent capacity. Each fuel cycle lasts approximately 18 months, followed by refuelling and maintenance before restarting a new cycle.
Power generation mechanism
The Rooppur plant will operate on nuclear fission, where uranium nuclei are split to produce heat energy. This heat converts water into high-pressure steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. The process is continuous and controlled through a chain reaction system.
Grid and transmission readiness
According to Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, the transmission infrastructure required to evacuate electricity from the first unit has already been completed. Multiple transmission lines connecting Rooppur with Baghbari, Bogura, and Gopalganj are ready, each with a capacity of approximately 400 megawatts.
Transmission and project status overview
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Project commencement | 2017 |
| Fuel receipt from Russia | October 2023 |
| Completion of core infrastructure | Completed around two years ago |
| Fuel loading licence | Issued for first unit |
| Transmission line completion | May 2025 (first unit) |
| Planned grid integration | December (government target) |
| Transmission routes | Rooppur–Baghabari, Rooppur–Bogura, Rooppur–Gopalganj |
Power Grid Company Managing Director Abdul Rashid Khan stated that delays in transmission construction were caused by multiple factors, including political transitions. However, he confirmed that the required lines for the first unit were completed by May 2025.
He further added that grid capacity for handling approximately 1,100 megawatts from the first unit has already been ensured, and additional infrastructure for the second unit is expected to be completed by December.
Safety and regulatory assurances
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has stated that all necessary technical tests and preparatory work were completed prior to issuing the commissioning licence. It further claimed that all phases of monitoring, evaluation, and review were conducted in accordance with internationally established standards.
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam reiterated that the plant is being operated in line with IAEA guidelines and that safety requirements have been ensured.
Despite these assurances, experts continue to emphasise that nuclear safety, grid readiness, and regulatory compliance remain critical factors determining when full commercial electricity generation from Rooppur will finally begin.