Dhaka, April 17, 2026 (PR) - The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) has officially granted a commissioning license for fuel loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), marking a major step forward in Bangladesh’s nuclear energy journey.
The license was issued following comprehensive assessments and reviews conducted by both national and international regulatory bodies. BAERA Chairman Mahmudul Hasan formally handed over the license to M Moinul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, on Thursday.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is widely regarded as a landmark project in Bangladesh’s power sector. With the approval for fuel loading, the country has reached another critical milestone toward initiating nuclear power generation.
The formal inauguration of fuel loading for the first unit is expected to take place in the last week of April. According to project plans, electricity generation from the unit could be connected to the national grid within approximately three months after fuel loading begins.
Following a series of testing and capacity-building phases, the plant aims to reach full operational capacity and supply electricity to the national grid by December.
Officials believe that the progress of the Rooppur project will significantly enhance Bangladesh’s energy security while contributing to a more sustainable and diversified power generation mix.
Senior officials from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) were present during the license handover ceremony.
