Rooppur Plant Set for 60 Years of Steady Power Supply

Fuel loading is set to begin at Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy sector and bringing it closer to full-scale electricity generation.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, located in Ishwardi, is expected to operate for an initial lifespan of 60 years, providing a stable and uninterrupted supply of electricity. Officials say that with proper maintenance and technological upgrades, the plant’s operational life could be extended by an additional 30 years.

The start of fuel loading on Tuesday represents a significant step toward commissioning the long-awaited project and positions Bangladesh among nations that use nuclear energy for power generation.

Authorities said uranium fuel will be inserted into the reactor of the plant’s first unit as part of a carefully monitored process. However, more than a hundred technical tests and safety checks will still need to be completed before the plant becomes fully operational.

Electricity generation is expected to be connected to the national grid in phases over the coming months. Once fuel is loaded, the reactor can run continuously for about 18 months, reducing reliance on conventional fuels such as oil, gas and coal. After that cycle, a portion of the fuel will be replaced.

Each of the plant’s two units has a capacity to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity, contributing significantly to the country’s growing energy demand.

For the first unit, a total of 163 uranium fuel bundles will be used, each containing multiple fuel rods. Bangladesh had earlier procured 168 such bundles, with a small number kept as reserve.

The fuel loading process is expected to take around 40 to 45 days. Once completed, nuclear fission will generate heat to produce steam, which will drive turbines and ultimately produce electricity.

Despite some indications that the cost per unit of electricity may be higher than initially projected, officials continue to view the project as a landmark step toward ensuring long-term energy security and advancing the country’s technological capabilities.