Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 Begins Testing to Generate Power

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Unit 1 of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant began Stage C operational testing on October 30, initiating controlled power increases to generate electricity under regulatory approval. This phase is essential for verifying system performance before the plant can supply electricity to the national grid, with commercial operation targeted by the end of 2026.

Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh entered a critical phase of operational testing on October 30, starting the process of generating electricity following regulatory approval. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority authorized the transition to this stage, known as Stage C, on October 29, allowing the plant to begin gradually increasing reactor power to produce steam and drive its turbine-generator.

According to Dr. Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL), the process began around noon with a controlled increase in reactor pressure and temperature. This marks the start of comprehensive testing that involves multiple systems, including reactor control, turbine-generator, electrical systems, instrumentation, control, protection, and safety mechanisms. As power levels rise incrementally, engineers will monitor the performance of key plant components under operating conditions to verify system functionality.

Despite the commencement of power generation tests, officials emphasized that electricity is not yet being supplied to the national grid. The unit must successfully complete the remaining testing within Stage C before synchronization and commercial operation can be achieved. Authorities aim for Unit 1 to begin delivering electricity to the grid by the end of 2026.

The Rooppur project, located on the banks of the Padma River in Ishwardi, Pabna, represents Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility. The plant comprises two VVER-1200 reactors, constructed with Russian financial and technical support at an estimated cost of $12.65 billion. Once both reactor units are fully operational, the facility is expected to add a total of 2,400 megawatts to Bangladesh’s energy supply, significantly bolstering national capacity.

The gradual progression through testing phases is a crucial step toward integrating nuclear-generated electricity into Bangladesh’s power system, reflecting the country’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and meet growing demand through nuclear technology.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.