World · Bangladesh Bureau
Bangladesh's Rooppur nuclear plant targets December grid connection
Bangladesh moves closer to its first nuclear power generation as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant aims to begin supplying electricity to the national grid in December. The project represents a significant milestone in the country's energy diversification efforts.
LSN Bangladesh ·
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, located in Pabna district, is on track to commence commercial electricity generation within weeks, marking a watershed moment for Bangladesh's energy sector. Officials have indicated that the facility is expected to feed power into the national grid by December, pending final safety clearances and regulatory approvals.
The two-reactor plant, developed with Russian technical assistance and financing, has undergone extensive testing and commissioning procedures over recent months. Once operational, it is expected to generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity, contributing substantially to Bangladesh's growing power demand and reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
The project has faced multiple delays since its inception in 2011, but recent progress in safety protocols and equipment installation has accelerated the timeline toward commercial operation. Authorities have emphasized that the facility meets international nuclear safety standards and regulatory requirements before any power generation begins.
Rooppur represents Bangladesh's entry into nuclear energy production and aligns with the government's broader strategy to diversify the energy mix and achieve long-term power security. The plant's successful commissioning is expected to reduce dependence on imported natural gas and coal while contributing to the nation's climate commitments.