Rooppur NPP Resolves Safety Valve Issue, Successfully Completes 16 MPa Pressure Test

Significant progress has been made in the commissioning activities of Unit 1 at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Following the resolution of issues with the Pressure Operated Relief Valve (PORV/POSV), serving as the safety valve, a high-pressure test at 16 megapascals (MPa) was successfully conducted.

Dr. Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), confirmed late Wednesday night that the PORV issue had been resolved and the test completed. He noted that the test, which began the previous night, was conducted simultaneously from both the Main Control Room (MCR) and the Emergency Control Room (ECR).

During the test, the functionality of the control valves was verified. After achieving satisfactory performance, the response and operation of the corresponding Main Safety Valve (MSV) were tested. Officials monitored valve reactivity, opening and closing procedures, alarm activations, and various related operational parameters.
Dr. Zahedul Hasan stated that the test was conducted strictly adhering to approved protocols and safety requirements. Communication systems, fire safety, and radiation protection measures were verified both before and during the operation.

He highlighted that the successful completion of the PORV test marks a crucial milestone in the plant’s commissioning process, as this system is directly linked to maintaining safe pressure levels in the reactor’s primary system.

Emphasizing that safety remains the utmost priority during commissioning, he added that every test is performed only after all necessary preparations, approvals, briefings, and safety conditions are confirmed. No compromises on safety will be made to meet target timelines.

Another test at approximately 18 MPa is scheduled for the next phase. The commissioning team is proceeding step-by-step, meticulously verifying each stage before moving forward.

Previously, recurring faults in the PORV located on the reactor pressurizer had created uncertainty regarding the schedule for supplying power to the national grid from Unit 1. This safety valve plays a crucial role in managing excess pressure within the primary cooling system.

Officials previously noted that Russian contractor JSC ASE had proposed transferring a pilot-operated relief valve from Unit 2 to Unit 1 to expedite operational readiness.

On September 3, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam stated at a press conference in Dhaka that power supply to the national grid from the first unit would be delayed due to the safety valve malfunction, though no specific revised timeline was announced at that time.

Following discussions with Russian authorities, a five-member team of Russian experts arrived at Rooppur on September 22. Joint efforts between Bangladeshi and Russian specialists led to the successful resolution and subsequent testing of the PORV, according to NPCBL’s managing director.

A press release from Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, stated that nuclear fuel delivery for Unit 2 is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and conclude by December. Fuel shipments will be transported via multiple flights per contractual agreements and project schedules.

The overall cost estimate for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project was revised from an initial BDT 1.13 trillion to approximately BDT 1.39 trillion. Constructed under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Russia, the plant is envisioned as a major low-carbon energy source for Bangladesh. The resolution of the PORV issue and successful pressure test represent a significant step forward in advancing commissioning operations.