Ruppur Nuclear Plant Nears First Power Production, Unit 1 Fuel Loading to Begin in February

Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, located at Ruppur, is on the brink of starting electricity generation. Officials from the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant project have confirmed that the fuel loading for Unit 1 is set to begin in early February 2026. The process is a key step towards the plant's operational status.

If everything progresses as planned, the plant will begin experimental power production by March or April 2026, marking the first time electricity will be supplied partially to the national grid. However, officials emphasized that due to the sensitive nature of nuclear activities, the plant will not reach full operational capacity immediately.

According to the plant’s roadmap, after the physical startup, the plant will gradually increase its production capacity over a period of 8-10 months, with full commercial production expected by mid-2026. The process is subject to possible delays due to technical complexities, and safety and quality assurance will remain a top priority throughout.

Fuel loading, expected to take about a month, will be followed by reactor startup and a step-by-step trial operation phase, during which the plant will supply partial power to the grid. Once operational, the plant will gradually ramp up production to reach 1,200 MW from Unit 1, and by 2027, Unit 2 will also begin fuel loading and power generation.

Despite some delays in the schedule, including those caused by exchange rate adjustments and rising equipment costs, the project remains a crucial milestone in Bangladesh’s energy development, with an estimated final cost exceeding 26,000 crore Taka. The first unit's operations will pave the way for further advancements, with full operational status expected by late 2026 or early 2027.