Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 began the process of generating electricity at 12:03pm on Friday, a day after receiving regulatory approval to enter stage C.
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted approval last Thursday for the unit to enter stage C and begin the power generation process. The move commenced with an increase in pressure and temperature inside the reactor, marking the start of a series of operational tests.
Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL), said Unit 1 has been undergoing a systematic programme of operational testing.
He explained that the programme covers the operation and coordination of the reactor, primary and secondary systems, turbine-generator, electrical systems, instrumentation and control, alongside protection and safety systems.
According to Dr Hasan, as reactor power is progressively increased, the performance of major plant systems is monitored and verified under operating conditions.
This includes checking the proper functioning of turbine control and protection systems, as well as the generator and its associated systems.
He added that during stage C, reactor power will be gradually raised to produce steam, drive the turbine, and generate electricity. The plant’s generation capacity will be increased incrementally, with turbine functions closely monitored throughout the process.
However, officials noted that the start of the power generation testing does not mean electricity is currently being supplied to the national grid. The unit must first complete a series of tests under stage C before grid supply can begin, which officials hope will be possible by the end of this year.
Built on the banks of the Padma River in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna at a cost of $12.65 billion, with Russian financial and technical support, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant features two VVER-1200 reactors.
Once both units are fully operational, the plant is designed to supply 2,400 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
