Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s First Unit Could Save $1 Billion Annually

The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant could begin supplying electricity to the national grid on a trial basis within the next 8 to 10 weeks, as final-stage tests are underway. If the tests and safety checks are completed successfully, grid synchronisation will begin in phases. Commercial operation of the 1,200MW unit is expected to start early next year. The unit could reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and save around Tk 1,000 crore a month, or about $1 billion a year, in fuel import costs, according to energy experts. The savings could rise further when both units are fully operational.

NPCBL Managing Director Dr. Jahedul Hasan said the estimated savings would depend on the type of energy imported as an alternative. He said grid synchronisation is planned within 6 to 8 weeks, although the exact schedule will depend on the completion of tests and safety checks. Uranium fuel loading has already been completed, while more than 100 tests have been conducted in two phases. Final complex and sensitive tests are now underway with approval from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority.Nuclear expert Professor Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam said nuclear power could provide reliable baseload electricity and reduce dependence on imported oil, gas and coal. The plant has two 1,200MW units. Transmission facilities connecting Rooppur to the national grid are also nearing completion.