300 MW of Electricity from Rooppur to Join National Grid in September

Bangladesh is expected to receive 300 megawatts of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on a trial basis in September. Preparations and testing are currently underway at the facility. Uranium fuel has already been loaded into the reactor of the first unit, while more than 100 tests have been completed in two phases.

Officials say that if the remaining tests are completed successfully, the first unit could begin full-scale power generation within the next few months. Once operational, the plant will be capable of generating electricity continuously for 24 hours a day. After a fuel load, a unit can generate power for around 18 months before requiring a shutdown for refueling.

However, strengthening the national grid remains a major challenge. Officials say the grid must be sufficiently stable to handle the rapid and consistent output of nuclear power. The government is working with the Bangladesh Power Development Board and Power Grid Bangladesh to upgrade the transmission system.

Power transmission from Rooppur will rely on grid infrastructure in Baghabari, Bogura and Gopalganj. Further preparations are needed before the plant can operate at full capacity.

Meanwhile, the final price of electricity from Rooppur has yet to be determined. Rising project costs and difficulties in financial transactions involving Russia due to international sanctions have also created additional challenges.