The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pakshey, Ishwardi has reached the point of beginning power generation, following the successful commissioning of its main and auxiliary transformers for its first unit.
As part of the final phase of preparations, the plant will now enter the “hot media test” stage, an essential set of safety evaluations including controlled steam emissions.
Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom, which is overseeing the project’s implementation, confirmed the update in a statement to the media on Saturday.
Rosatom has advised local residents not to be alarmed by any unexpected sounds during the tests, assuring that no safety risks are involved and that the process adheres to international safety protocols.
The primary transformers will convert the 24 kV electricity generated by the turbine generators to 400 kV for grid transmission. Each transformer has a capacity of up to 1,599 MW, exceeding the unit’s production capacity of 1,200 MW, thereby enabling stable and potentially surplus power delivery.
Auxiliary transformers have also been fully commissioned to be used for internal systems.
Alexey Deriy, vice president of Atomstroyexport’s Bangladesh project, remarked, “This is the result of coordinated efforts and commitment by all parties. Despite logistical and climatic challenges, it is a crucial step toward the unit’s safe and reliable operation.”