Bangladesh has launched its first nuclear power plant, Rooppur, reports Todayinfo news agency.
According to Rosatom's press service, loading of fresh nuclear fuel has begun at the first power unit. A total of 163 fuel assemblies will be loaded into the reactor core. This stage is key in preparing the plant for operation and requires strict adherence to all technological procedures and safety standards.
After loading is complete, the reactor will be brought to a minimum controlled power level. Then, a gradual and phased increase in power will begin. The next important stage will be the energy start-up, when generated electricity will begin to flow into Bangladesh's national grid. This will mark the actual start of commercial operation of the country's first nuclear power unit.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev noted that the launch is of strategic importance not only for Bangladesh — the country has joined the club of states using peaceful atom as a reliable source of sustainable development.
"Peaceful use of nuclear energy will play a key role in ensuring national energy security, accelerating industrialization, and promoting a technology-based economy," said Bangladesh's Minister of Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam.
