Rooppur plant set to begin power generation by late Nov

Asked about the expected start of power generation from the first unit, Likhachev said Rosatom hoped to begin operations around November 20, with electricity generation expected to start by the end of the month.

He said progress towards starting nuclear power generation had also prompted discussions about expanding the project. However, he stressed that the final decision would rest with the government and people of Bangladesh.

Rosatom’s engineering division began loading nuclear fuel into the first unit of the Rooppur plant on April 28 this year. According to the Russian corporation, fuel loading marked a significant milestone in the commissioning process.

Rosatom is constructing the plant under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011. Located in Rooppur, the facility will have two generating units with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts.

Once operational, the plant is expected to add significantly to Bangladesh’s electricity generation capacity and diversify its energy supply.

Likhachev had earlier said Rosatom expected to begin commissioning activities for the plant’s second unit next year.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also expressed interest in other nuclear energy proposals from Rosatom, according to Likhachev.

He said the prime minister and ministers had sought information about the company’s other potential offerings, including small modular nuclear power plants and floating nuclear power plants.

Rosatom offers these technologies as part of its integrated nuclear energy solutions for other countries as well, he added.