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Minister gives no timeline for Rooppur nuclear power generation
Published : Thursday, 10 September, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam stated that a specific timeline for experimental power generation at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant cannot be provided due to a technical glitch.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday (September 10) during a press conference on "Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026," he explained that defects in crucial Pressurised Operative Regulatory Valves (PORV) caused the uncertainty.
The Minister noted that while trial power generation from the first unit was initially slated for September, two out of three valves failed to function despite nearly six weeks of troubleshooting.
Rosatom dispatched five Russian experts who are currently working at the Rooppur site to resolve the temperature and pressure issues affecting the valves.
Engineers previously completed over 2,000 pre-fuel loading tests successfully, which would have allowed the plant to supply around 300 MW to the national grid by late September had the issue not occurred.
The minister emphasized that while meeting electricity demand remains a top priority, nuclear safety and security take ultimate precedence before commissioning the facility.
He expressed hope that a clear update regarding the timeline could be provided within the next seven days once critical testing phases are finalized.
Addressing a recent fire incident near the plant, the minister clarified that the blaze occurred near Gate No. 1 at a civil section office and server room due to a short circuit, well outside the core nuclear area.
He assured that damaged documents have proper backups, describing the incident as minor with an ongoing investigation to assess safety protocols.
He added that electricity pricing for the $20 billion project will be finalized shortly as technical progress advances.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
