First Criticality Achieved at Unit 1 of Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

en.Wedoany.com Reported - At 15:34 on October 11, Unit 1 of Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant reached first criticality, with the reactor successfully establishing a sustainable nuclear fission chain reaction. The unit adopts Russia's VVER-1200 pressurized water reactor technology, with a rated electric power of 1200MW. On October 8, it obtained the relevant startup approval issued by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. The project is scheduled to enter the power startup phase on November 20, followed by gradual power escalation tests and grid connection preparations.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority approved Unit 1 to enter the B-2 phase on October 8, allowing the reactor to conduct its first controlled nuclear chain reaction. Previously, the unit's approval had been delayed due to technical issues related to automatic pressure relief safety valves, and the Russian technical team subsequently completed the relevant rectification and testing. The regulatory body stated that further approvals are still required before the unit can deliver electricity to the national grid.

Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant obtained its operating license on April 16, 2026. Nuclear fuel loading began on April 28 and was completed in May, with a total of 163 nuclear fuel assemblies loaded into the reactor core. Prior to this, the project had completed turbine installation, primary circuit hydrostatic testing, and hot functional testing. Following the completion of first criticality, the unit will continue with safety inspections of equipment and systems, and verify the reactor's operating status at the minimum controllable power level.

According to the current commissioning schedule, the project will carry out a series of technical inspections before power startup to confirm that the relevant equipment and systems meet design requirements. After power startup, further tests will be conducted, and reactor power will be increased step by step in accordance with established procedures. The project side stated that only after completing the corresponding tests and meeting regulatory requirements will the unit gradually proceed toward supplying electricity to the national grid.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, with Rosatom participating in its design and construction. The project involves the construction of two VVER-1200 units, with a total installed capacity of 2400MW, an initial design operating life of 60 years, and the possibility of a 20-year extension. The project contract signed by both parties in 2015 is worth approximately US$12.65 billion. Main construction of Units 1 and 2 started in November 2017 and July 2018, respectively.