Fuel loading begins at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

Fuel loading has begun at Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant in Ishwardi, Pabna. Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam inaugurated the programme at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant on the banks of the Padma River at around 3 pm on Tuesday.

After completing various stages and undergoing necessary tests, the first unit of Rooppur is expected to begin full-scale power generation in February next year. With this development, Bangladesh has become the 33rd country in the world to use nuclear energy for electricity production.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said that all activities are being carried out according to international standards, as safety remains the top priority for Bangladesh. He added that the nuclear plant would further strengthen the historical relations between Dhaka and Moscow.

Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Adviser Rehan Asif Asad described the day as a significant milestone for Bangladesh, stating that the country has taken a major step forward in technology.

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), assured that Russia would continue to support Bangladesh in the same way it has during the construction of the nuclear power plant. 

He reassured the people of Bangladesh regarding safety, emphasising that the latest technology and highest standards have been maintained. He said electricity would be supplied from safe nuclear plants and that Rosatom would also provide support for future needs, including waste management.

Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said that Rooppur has opened an opportunity for technological transformation and would further advance Bangladesh’s science and technology sector.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, joined the programme virtually.

Through this fuel loading, the long-awaited electricity production from the plant will begin in phases.

The first shipment of nuclear fuel arrived in Dhaka from Russia by air on September 28, 2023. Several more shipments followed. The fuel was transported to Rooppur by road in October under special security arrangements and was subsequently stored at the plant. A total of 164 bundles, including one extra, were brought to the country. Each bundle used in Rooppur contains 312 fuel rods.

The fuel for a nuclear power plant is primarily made from uranium. First, small tablet-like fuel pellets are produced from uranium oxide. These pellets are usually 8 to 15 millimetres in diameter and 10 to 15 millimetres in length. Many such pellets are placed inside a metal tube about four metres long to form a fuel rod. When many rods are assembled together in a specific structure, a fuel bundle or fuel assembly is created.

These fuel bundles will be installed in the core of the reactor to generate electricity. A total of 163 bundles will be used together in the first unit of Rooppur. Once installed, the fuel can generate electricity for approximately 18 months. The used fuel contains radioactive material and will therefore be transported back to Russia under special security. Each fuel bundle will be strictly accounted for under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.