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Nuclear energy era begins with Rooppur fuel loading
Full power generation may take around 10 months
Bangladesh has formally entered the global nuclear energy community as fuel loading began on Tuesday at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, marking a historic milestone in the country’s energy journey.
With this development, Bangladesh has become the 33rd country in the world to generate electricity using nuclear energy.
The “physical start-up” ceremony was held at the Rooppur site at 3pm, signalling the beginning of the most crucial phase of the country’s largest single infrastructure project. The event was presided over by Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam.
High-level government representatives, international stakeholders, and relevant experts attended the ceremony, including Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the
Ministry of Science and Technology; Alexey Likhachev, director general of Rosatom; and Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who joined virtually with a recorded message.
A carefully managed transition to nuclear power
Officials said the insertion of nuclear fuel into the reactor core marks the formal start of nuclear operations. However, full-scale electricity generation will take several months, as the process involves a complex sequence of safety checks, testing, and commissioning.
Fuel loading itself is expected to take around 30 days, during which 163 fuel assemblies will be inserted into the reactor core under strict monitoring, 
widely regarded as the most sensitive phase of the project.
This will be followed by reactor physics testing and controlled nuclear reactions, expected to take a further 34 days. Engineers will closely monitor reactor behaviour to ensure the fission process remains stable and fully controlled.
A gradual power escalation phase will then take place over approximately 40 days.
Former project director and former chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Dr Md Shaukat Akbar told the Daily Sun that fuel loading marks the beginning of a series of critical steps before electricity can be supplied to consumers.
He stressed that every phase, from fuel insertion to first criticality and power escalation, must strictly adhere to international guidelines set by the IAEA, with safety, security and safeguards as top priorities.
According to him, achieving “first criticality” at around 1% power may take about 29–30 days after fuel loading. This will be followed by incremental increases, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15% and beyond, with testing at each stage.
Electricity will be supplied to the national grid only after the reactor reaches approximately 30% capacity. Full, stable commercial generation is expected to take around 10 months overall.
From uranium fuel to electricity
The process begins with uranium fuel assemblies being placed inside the reactor core. Each assembly contains multiple fuel rods filled with uranium dioxide pellets, with 163 assemblies forming the core in Unit-1.
Once inserted, uranium atoms undergo controlled nuclear fission, releasing large amounts of heat in a tightly regulated environment. This heat converts water into high-pressure steam, which drives turbines. The turbines, in turn, power generators that produce electricity for the national grid.
Used fuel will remain highly radioactive and will later be transported back to Russia under strict international supervision, with monitoring by the IAEA.
First power and national impact
Authorities said initial electricity generation could begin as early as August, starting with around 300 megawatts on a trial basis.
Over time, Unit-1 will scale up output, while the two-unit plant is expected to generate 2,400 megawatts, meeting around 10–12% of Bangladesh’s electricity demand.
Science and technology ministry secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the project represents a long-term, cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel dependence, adding that Bangladesh has already developed a skilled nuclear workforce.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi described the milestone as the beginning of a clean energy future, noting that nuclear power will play a key role in Bangladesh’s economic development.
Progress, but not instant power
Experts cautioned that fuel loading is only the beginning of a lengthy and highly controlled process.
They emphasised that stable electricity generation will depend on months of testing, strict safety compliance, continuous monitoring, and a highly trained workforce.
“This is not a switch-on process,” said Dr Shafiqul Islam, a professor in the nuclear engineering department at Dhaka University. “It is a carefully managed sequence of nuclear physics operations.”
Rooppur’s journey from concept to nuclear reality
The Rooppur project dates back to 1961, when nuclear power was first considered in Bangladesh. After decades of delay, it was formally included in the national energy strategy in 1995.
A breakthrough came in 2011 with a bilateral agreement with Russia, followed by a construction deal in 2015 between the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Rosatom’s subsidiary Atomstroyexport.
The project covers construction, equipment supply, commissioning, training, and initial fuel supply for three years.
Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam described the day as historic for both Bangladesh and Russia, highlighting the adoption of advanced Generation III+ VVER-1200 technology.
Energy security and economic significance
Officials say the plant will significantly reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, potentially saving billions in foreign exchange.
Around 2,500 permanent jobs have already been created, with up to 20,000–25,000 workers engaged during peak construction.
Annual nuclear fuel costs are estimated at around Tk1,000 crore, substantially lower than fossil fuel-based generation for equivalent output.
The plant is designed to operate for about 60 years, extendable to 90 years, with fuel cycles lasting approximately 18 months.
Delays and rising costs
The project has faced delays and cost escalations, rising from Tk1.13 lakh crore to around Tk1.39 lakh crore.
Originally scheduled for completion between 2023 and 2024, timelines have been pushed to December 2026 for Unit-1 and December 2027 for Unit-2, with full commissioning expected by June 2028.
Officials attributed the delays to global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine war, logistical constraints, currency fluctuations, and rising import costs.
Local reaction: pride and concern
Residents in Ishwardi described the milestone as historic, though concerns remain.
“This area is now part of global nuclear history,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Rooppur village.
Locals noted improvements in infrastructure, housing and employment opportunities. However, some expressed concerns about nuclear safety awareness and long-term environmental risks.
“We hear about safety measures, but ordinary people don’t fully understand what to do in an emergency,” said Shahida Begum, a nearby resident.
The bigger picture
Rooppur stands as Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure project and a defining step towards long-term energy security. However, as officials and experts emphasised, fuel loading marks only the beginning.
What follows is a slow, carefully controlled journey towards stable electricity generation, where safety, precision and patience are paramount.
PM, Rosatom discuss cooperation
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the secretariat earlier in the day.
They discussed the project’s progress and Bangladesh’s broader energy security goals. The prime minister praised Russia’s technical support, describing the project as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Likhachev reaffirmed Russia’s continued support and expressed confidence that the remaining work would be completed within the stipulated timeline.