Bangladesh Begins Nuclear Power Era With Fuel Loading

Bangladesh has taken a major step toward launching its first nuclear power generation, as uranium fuel loading began at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday afternoon.

The fuel loading marks the final stage before the start of electricity production at the country’s first nuclear facility. Officials said the process is expected to take between 30 and 45 days, after which the plant will move into trial generation, followed by full commercial operations likely in August.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahabub Anam formally inaugurated the process at the project site. A recorded message from Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, was also delivered at the অনুষ্ঠানে.

The event was attended by senior officials and international partners, including Alexey Likhachev, representing Russia’s state nuclear agency, and Prime Minister’s adviser Rehan Asif Asad.

Earlier, at a briefing in Dhaka, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the first unit is expected to initially add around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.

He noted that once fully operational, the project will supply up to 10 percent of the country’s electricity demand and benefit an estimated 20 million people.

Officials described the development as a landmark achievement in Bangladesh’s energy sector, marking its entry into nuclear power generation and strengthening long-term energy security.