The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna, Bangladesh, has successfully achieved its first controlled nuclear chain reaction in Unit-1, marking a significant milestone in the plant’s commissioning process. The event occurred on October 12 at 3:30 p.m. local time, following the completion of necessary compliance procedures, technical checks, and external certifications.

Officials involved in the project reported that the reactor’s parameters were within the expected ranges, and the system operated stably during the process. The controlled chain reaction initiates the splitting of uranium atoms through nuclear fission, which generates heat to produce steam. This steam then drives turbines that generate electricity. A team of Russian specialists, Bangladeshi experts, and other technical personnel were on site to observe the startup and assess the reactor’s performance.

According to project representatives, the nuclear fuel had already been loaded into Unit-1 before the reaction began, and the onset of fission confirms progress toward operational status. Technical teams are currently working to finalize the remaining stages of commissioning, with a focus on adhering strictly to safety standards and procedural requirements.

The Rooppur plant features two VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors supplied by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. Each reactor unit is designed to produce approximately 1,200 megawatts of electricity, giving the facility a total planned capacity of 2,400 megawatts once both units are operational. This development marks Bangladesh’s first foray into nuclear energy, aiming to diversify its power generation portfolio and support growing energy demand.