Fifth Consignment of Uranium Arrives at Rooppur

The fifth consignment of uranium fuel has arrived at the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna. On Friday, November 6, three specialized lorries carrying the nuclear fuel entered the project area around 7:30 AM under tight security. For the first time, an alternative highway route was utilized instead of the conventional path for transporting the uranium. From Dhaka, the lorries reached Rooppur traveling via the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, Padma Bridge, Bhanga in Faridpur, Rajbari, Kushtia, and the Lalon Shah Bridge in Pakshi.

The entire transportation process was executed under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army and strict security provided by other law enforcement agencies. Necessary precautionary measures were taken along the route to ensure safety. According to project sources, this consignment has been brought for the second unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Previously, three consignments were delivered for the second unit and one as additional fuel for the first unit. With this delivery, a total of five consignments of nuclear fuel have reached Rooppur so far.

As per the plan of Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, a total of 163 uranium assemblies are scheduled to be brought in seven consignments for the initial fuel supply of the second unit. Additionally, 48 assemblies are planned to be imported in two more consignments for refueling the first unit. The 2,400-megawatt capacity Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant comprises two units. Preparatory activities for power generation in the first unit are currently underway. Electricity supply to the national grid from this unit is expected to commence once the necessary testing and regulatory approvals are completed.