Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Secures Commissioning License, Set to Begin Power Generation

Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, has received its commissioning license for the first unit, allowing it to move forward with the process of electricity generation.

Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed on 16 April that regulatory approval has been granted following a series of delays and safety evaluations. The clearance from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority enables the plant to proceed with nuclear fuel loading, expected to begin later this month.

Officials indicated that if all stages proceed as planned, the first unit could start supplying electricity in phases by December. Authorities emphasized that safety remains the top priority, with additional time previously allocated to address critical technical concerns before granting approval.
 

The plant, with a total planned capacity of 2.4 gigawatts, is being developed with support from Rosatom. Located in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district, it marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.
 

Regulators have stressed strict oversight during the fuel loading phase to ensure maximum safety standards. The project timeline had earlier been extended to 2027 due to technical and logistical challenges.
 

The commissioning license is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s long-term energy security and reducing dependence on conventional fuel sources.