Bangladesh is set to enter a new phase in its energy sector as the first uranium fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is scheduled to begin on April 28, marking a major milestone toward launching nuclear-based electricity generation.
Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain said the plant is expected to start supplying electricity to the national grid by late July or early August, following the initial fuel loading process.
He described the loading of uranium fuel into the plant’s first unit as the “key step” before electricity generation begins, adding that the schedule was finalized in coordination with Rosatom.
The fuel loading ceremony is expected to be attended by Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister’s advisor Rehan Asif Asad, Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev, and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, due to scheduling constraints, neither the Prime Minister of Bangladesh nor the President of Russia is expected to attend.
According to project officials, the first unit could begin experimental power generation within three months of fuel loading, initially adding around 300 megawatts of electricity to the grid. Output will gradually increase, with full-capacity generation targeted by January next year.
Earlier, on April 16, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority approved the fuel loading, clearing a major regulatory hurdle.
The process had initially been scheduled for April 7 but was postponed due to technical and safety considerations.
The project has reached this stage nearly two years after nuclear fuel was delivered from Russia. Once fully operational, the $12.6 billion plant will consist of two units with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
The first unit is expected to begin commercial operation in the first half of 2027, while the second unit is slated for completion by 2028, significantly boosting Bangladesh’s long-term energy security with low-carbon power.
