Thousands of devices will now monitor critical operations at Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, tracking reactor conditions and helping ensure safety as the facility moves closer to generating electricity.
The technology is part of the automated process control systems (APCS) installed at both units of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom announced on Tuesday.
Supplied by Rosatom Automated Control Systems (RASU), the technology brings together around 20,000 devices across 43 systems. It will monitor more than 7,000 process parameters, including reactor stability, to support safe and efficient plant operations.
Beyond monitoring, Rooppur is also becoming the first Rosatom-built nuclear power plant outside Russia to introduce an operator information support system (OISS), designed to help control room personnel make informed decisions.
Developed by RASU using digital twin technology, the OISS has already been integrated into Unit 1 and is supporting startup activities. A similar system will be installed at Unit 2.
Its AI-based information and control component (AICS) analyses data from 360 process-related systems, identifies potential deviations and provides operators with recommendations based on more than 80 instructions, including emergency response procedures.
By presenting complex operational data in an accessible format, the technology helps operators assess situations, make informed decisions and respond more effectively.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev described Rooppur as the largest cooperation project between Russia and Bangladesh and a pioneering venture in modern automation and control technology.
“Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is not only the largest cooperation project between Russia and Bangladesh but also one of our pioneering projects in the use of modern automation and control technologies. This is the first time an operator information support system is being implemented at a Rosatom-built power plant abroad,” he said.
Likhachev added that the system would shorten response times, reduce operating costs and serve as a reliable assistant to control room personnel.
The installation follows another milestone at Rooppur. On Sunday, 11 October, Unit 1 achieved its first controlled nuclear fission reaction at 3:34pm after safety testing and regulatory approval.
The plant is targeting an initial supply of 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid in December. Reactor physics tests, safety system checks and preparations for grid connection are expected to take 30 to 40 days.
The Rooppur plant, comprising two Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors, is being built by Atomstroyexport, Rosatom’s engineering division.
