Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant at Rooppur is expected to contribute between 1,000MW and 1,100MW of electricity to the national grid by December 2026, Science and Technology and Post, Telecommunications and ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said on Friday, outlining the government’s roadmap for bringing the country's flagship energy project into full operation.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable discussion titled ‘Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh’s Path Forward’ at Shopnodip Resort in Joynagar, Ishwardi, Pabna, the minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the commercial operation of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by August 2026.
Following the inauguration, a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will inspect the facility, he said. Based on the outcome of that inspection, power generation will be increased gradually until the unit reaches its full capacity of up to 1,100MW.
“If everything goes according to plan, fuel will be loaded into the reactor of the second unit by April 2027,” the minister said.
Describing nuclear energy as a strategic investment, Faqir Mahbub Anam said the project represents a major step forward in the country’s development efforts. He noted that nuclear power generation does not emit carbon or other gases into the atmosphere and would help ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for decades.
Addressing concerns over safety, the minister said the IAEA had assured Bangladesh regarding the technology being used at the plant. He described the reactor as a Generation III Plus facility and stressed that the project required the highest level of care and oversight.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain called for positive and constructive criticism to help ensure the timely operation of the highly sensitive project.
IAEA expert Eric Mathet said a nuclear programme requires highly trained professionals and long-term strategies for workforce development and retention.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Habibur Rahman said people wanted to know more about the plant’s safety and security aspects because it was a new technology for the country.
IAEA experts, local lawmakers, stakeholders, politicians, business leaders, scientists and senior officials attended the discussion. MPs Salim Reza and Abu Taleb Mondol also spoke.
