Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has officially granted the commissioning licence for fuel loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The licence was issued following assessments and reviews conducted by both national and international regulatory bodies.
BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan formally handed over the licence to M Moinul Islam on Thursday, according to a handout.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is regarded as a major addition to Bangladesh’s power sector. With the commencement of fuel loading at the first unit, the country has reached another key milestone in its nuclear energy programme.
The formal inauguration of fuel loading is expected in the last week of April. Electricity from the unit is likely to be supplied to the national grid within around three months of the start of fuel loading.
Subsequently, after phased testing and capacity-building activities, the first unit is expected to reach full capacity and begin power transmission to the national grid by December.
Officials said the progress of the Rooppur project would play a significant role in strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and ensuring sustainable power generation.
Senior officials from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited were present at the event.
