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Bangladesh Nuclear Plant Clears Final Hurdle for Power Generation — AI-generated representative image of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh's first nuclear facility on the Padma River.

Editorial Team

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant secures Stage C approval as BAERA prepares Unit 1 for grid connection

Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the country's first nuclear facility, has secured final regulatory clearance to commence electricity generation. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) approved the plant's advancement to Stage C, the phase during which the reactor will be powered up to produce steam, drive the turbine and generate electricity.

The approval marks a defining moment for Bangladesh's energy ambitions, moving the nation closer to operating a large-scale nuclear power station after years of construction supported by Russian financing and technical expertise. Once connected, the facility is expected to significantly ease pressure on the national grid and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.

Regulatory Approval and Startup Timeline

BAERA Chairman Mahamudul Hasan confirmed that Unit 1 will now proceed with the power startup to begin the generation process, adding that the authority would determine the precise startup date. Capacity will be increased gradually in phases during this stage.

Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev indicated earlier this month that the plant is on track to be connected to the national grid by the end of next month. Rosatom, which supplies equipment, nuclear fuel and engineering assistance, expects to commission the second unit in 2027.

Background of the Rooppur Project

The Rooppur plant is situated 160 kilometers from Dhaka on the banks of the Padma River. It was constructed at a total cost of $12.65 billion with Russian financial and technical support, including $11.9 billion in state loans from Moscow.

The facility features two VVER-1200 Russian-designed reactors with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to deliver 12% of Dhaka's power demand, providing a substantial contribution to the country's electricity supply.

Statements and Future Expansion Talks

Speaking on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week forum, Likhachev disclosed that Moscow is in discussions with Dhaka to build a new phase of high-capacity units at Rooppur. "We are primarily talking about a possible additional phase of large units," Likhachev said.

He added that Dhaka was also exploring the possibility of small-capacity units and a research reactor, signaling continued cooperation between the two countries on nuclear energy development.

What Lies Ahead

With Stage C approval secured, Unit 1 is now positioned to begin power startup, with grid connection anticipated by the end of next month. The exact startup date will be confirmed by BAERA, while the second unit remains on schedule for commissioning in 2027.