The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received its commissioning license

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has formally issued the commissioning license for fuel loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).

The approval follows a comprehensive assessment and review by both national and international regulatory bodies.

BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan handed over the license to Dr M Moinul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, on Thursday, according to an official handout released today.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is seen as a landmark addition to Bangladesh’s power sector. The start of fuel loading at its first unit marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward nuclear energy generation.

The formal inauguration of fuel loading is expected to take place in the final week of April. As per current plans, electricity from the unit could be connected to the national grid within approximately three months of the fuel loading process beginning.

Following a series of tests and phased capacity-building activities, the plant aims to supply electricity to the grid at full capacity by December. The advancement of the project is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and ensuring sustainable power generation.

Senior officials from the RNPP construction project and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) were present at the event.