Jakarta, INTI - Bangladesh is closing in on becoming the 33rd country in the world to generate electricity from nuclear energy. Bangladesh will start uranium fueling at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in April 2026.
This fueling is the final stage before the reactor enters the trial power generation phase. After controlled fission and a series of safety tests are completed, the nuclear power plant's capacity will be gradually increased.
Power Generation is Expected Next Year
According to a News On Air report, trial power generation with a capacity of approximately 300 megawatts (MW) is expected to begin in August. Full commercial power generation is expected to begin approximately 10 months after that.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is run by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and receives technical and financial support from Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom. The facility consists of two reactor units, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, totaling a generating capacity of 2,400 MW.
When fully operational, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to supply approximately 10–12% of Bangladesh's electricity needs. The nuclear power plant's presence is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen Bangladesh's long-term energy security.
Bangladesh’s National Energy Security
Bangladesh Minister of Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, stated that nuclear energy will be a crucial element in maintaining national energy security, accelerating industrialization, and driving technology-based economic growth. He stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant also reflects Bangladesh's scientific progress and its ability to responsibly utilize advanced technology.
Director General of Rosatom, Alexei Likhachev, considered Bangladesh's entry as one of the countries that use nuclear energy a significant development for the global nuclear industry. He stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will become a vital part of Bangladesh's energy system and strengthen ties between Rosatom and its international partners.
Long-Term Agreement between Bangladesh and Rosatom
The USD 12.65 billion project began with an agreement between Rosatom and Bangladesh in 2011, followed by a contract agreement in December 2015. Construction of Unit 1 began in November 2017, while Unit 2 began in July 2018. Both reactors are designed to have an initial operating life of 60 years with an option to extend it by 20 years.
The first nuclear fuel delivery to the site was in October 2023, marking the facility's status change to a nuclear installation. The Bangladesh Nuclear Regulatory Authority will issue an operating license on April 16, 2028.
The development of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is considered relevant for developing countries seeking clean energy sources other than solar and wind power. Nuclear energy can provide a stable baseload electricity supply that is independent of weather conditions.
However, nuclear energy development also faces several significant challenges, including high initial investment requirements, demands for technical expertise, dependence on foreign technology partners, and long-term radioactive waste management issues.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is moving closer to becoming the 33rd country in the world to generate electricity from nuclear energy. The country is starting uranium refueling for Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in April 2026. The project receives technical and financial support from Russia’s Rosatom and has two reactor units with a total capacity of 2,400 MW. The power plant is expected to meet 10%–12% of Bangladesh's electricity needs when fully operational. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security.
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