Roopor NPP Unit One Gets Approval to Transmit Limited Power to Nat'l Grid

Nuclear refuelling of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1. Rosatom- PR- Photo- 29.10.2026.

Rosatom has begun supplying nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1200 reactor at Unit 2 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Bangladesh. The first batch of fuel assemblies, manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant, an enterprise of Rosatom’s Fuel Division, was recently transported to Bangladesh by a dedicated cargo flight.

Earlier, Rosatom completed shipments of fresh nuclear fuel from Siberia to Bangladesh for the first-ever refuelling of Unit 1, scheduled to take place after the reactor completes its first annual fuel cycle.

Upon arrival at the plant site, the fuel containers were transferred to a dedicated fresh nuclear fuel storage facility. All fuel assemblies undergo mandatory visual and instrumental inspections to ensure compliance with technical specifications and nuclear safety requirements.

The inspections are conducted by a joint commission comprising representatives of the Bangladesh, the general contractor and the fuel manufacturer, in strict accordance with nuclear and radiation safety regulations.

In 2026, Rosatom’s Engineering Division completed the initial loading of nuclear fuel into the VVER-1200 reactor core at Unit 1. The reactor subsequently achieved its minimum controllable power level in October, marking a major milestone towards electricity generation.

Before connection to the national grid and subsequent trial commercial operation, the unit must undergo further power ascension tests and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.

Rooppur NPP, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, comprises two Russian-designed Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors with a combined generating capacity of 2,400 MW.

Rosatom’s Engineering Division serves as the general designer and general contractor of the project. – Press release

Meanwhile, an informed source told GreenWatch Dhaka that the authorities have granted approval to Rooppur NPP Unit -1 to transmit on a limited scale power to the national grid.