Experimental production begins at first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

Earlier on Thursday, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) approved starting the initial stage of power generation at the first unit, ‘Power Startup’.

At this stage, for the first time, a self-sustaining chain reaction or atomic fission process will be initiated in the nuclear reactor. Through this, controlled and continuous thermal energy production will begin in the reactor. Later, this thermal energy will be used to generate electricity.

Following International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, tests have been completed in several stages at the first unit of the project, built with Russian cooperation. The latest ‘Stage B-1’ activities have also been completed almost successfully. In addition, complications over testing the automatic pressure relief valve have been overcome.

After this, ‘Stage B-2’ activities will begin. At this stage, the nuclear reactor will be prepared for initial operation. Later, the ‘Criticality’ process will begin. Through this, a self-sustaining and controlled nuclear chain reaction will be established inside the reactor.

As planned, after gradually increasing generation capacity to 300 megawatts, electricity supply to the national transmission line will begin. However, before that, necessary tests must be completed and all safety-related conditions must be met.

Meanwhile, nuclear fuel supply from Russia has begun in preparation for initial fuel loading into the VVER-1200 reactor of the second unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. On Thursday morning, Russia's state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom said this in a notification.