Electricity from Bangladesh's long-awaited Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant could begin flowing into the national grid by June or early July as the authorities prepare to start loading nuclear fuel into the plant's first unit early next month.
According to project officials, preparations are underway to begin fuel loading in the first week of April.
Testing and synchronization are then expected to continue through May and June, potentially allowing the first unit to start supplying electricity to the national grid by June or July.
Initially, the plant will provide electricity on a trial basis and at irregular intervals. Gradually, the facility will move towards full-scale generation.
Project officials said that the first unit is expected to be ready for fuel loading by the end of March. A fuel-loading ceremony will be organized and is expected to involve senior officials from Bangladesh and Russia.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the process, while a Russian minister and other senior officials may also be present.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is expected to attend the ceremony. Russian President Vladimir Putin may also join the event virtually, officials said.
