Bangladesh nuclear plant completes physics test as startup awaits approval

Bangladesh’s Rooppur nuclear power plant has completed physics testing of its first 1,200-megawatt unit, but the next startup stage still requires regulatory approval, The Financial Express reported Oct. 24.

Zahedul Hasan, managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), said test reports had been submitted to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) on Oct. 21.

NPCBL said it was ready to begin power startup later this month if BAERA grants clearance. Output would initially be limited and increase gradually as further tests succeed.

Project engineers hope the unit can supply test electricity to the national grid after reaching 25% to 30% of capacity. Their estimate of at least 300 megawatts by year-end remains a target. The completed test does not mean commercial electricity production has begun.