Bangladesh began loading nuclear fuel into the reactor core of unit 1 at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, moving the country closer to generating nuclear energy.
Officials said the process marks the shift from construction to startup at the Russian-backed plant in Ishwardi. Fuel loading is expected to be completed in less than 45 days, followed by reactor warmup and trial electricity supply to the national grid.
Mohammad Anwar Hossain, secretary at the science and technology ministry, said the plant could add at least 300 megawatts by late July or early August, rising gradually toward 1,200 megawatts by late 2026 or early 2027.
The $12.65 billion plant includes two VVER-1,200 reactors. Officials said safety testing will continue before full commercial operation.
The development comes as Bangladesh faces power shortages linked to disruptions in global energy markets caused by unprovoked Western military aggression against Iran.