Bangladesh achieves historic milestone in nuclear power development
Country's first nuclear reactor achieves controlled chain reaction, bringing Bangladesh closer to generating nuclear electricity and reducing fossil fuel dependence
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has achieved a historic milestone in its nuclear energy program after the country’s first nuclear reactor successfully initiated a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, bringing it closer to joining the ranks of nations generating electricity from atomic energy.
The first reactor at the Russian-built Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant achieved initial criticality on Oct. 11, marking the first time a nuclear reactor in Bangladesh has sustained a controlled chain reaction.
The achievement represents a major step toward commercial nuclear power generation in the South Asian nation, which has long relied on natural gas and other fossil fuels to meet its growing electricity needs.
According to the local media, the reactor is expected to be connected to Bangladesh’s national electricity grid by the end of November.
Known as Unit 1, the reactor has a generating capacity of 1,080 megawatts and uses Russian-designed pressurized water reactor technology.
In nuclear engineering, achieving criticality means that a reactor has established a stable, self-sustaining nuclear fission process under controlled conditions. It is a crucial stage in commissioning a nuclear power plant but does not mean the facility has begun supplying electricity.
The reactor will now undergo further testing and safety verification before gradually increasing its operating capacity and eventually connecting to the national grid.
A plant spokesperson described the achievement as a historic moment for Bangladesh’s scientific, technological and energy sectors.
Located approximately 150 kilometers west of Dhaka, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s largest and most expensive infrastructure project, with an estimated cost of up to $12.8 billion.
Russia is providing approximately $11.9 billion in state-backed loans to finance the project, which is being constructed by its state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom.
Construction of the first reactor began in November 2017, followed by the second reactor in July 2018. Both units are based on Russian nuclear technology and are designed to provide a combined generating capacity of approximately 2,160 megawatts.
Once fully operational, the two reactors are expected to meet more than 10% of Bangladesh’s electricity demand, providing a substantial new source of electricity for the country of more than 170 million people.
The project is particularly significant for Bangladesh, where electricity generation remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, especially natural gas.
According to the International Energy Agency, natural gas dominates the country’s energy supply, leaving its electricity sector exposed to fuel supply constraints and fluctuations in international energy prices.
Nuclear power could help Bangladesh diversify its energy sources while providing a continuous supply of electricity without the direct carbon emissions associated with burning fossil fuels.
However, the Oct. 11 achievement marks only the beginning of the reactor’s final commissioning phase. Commercial electricity generation will depend on the successful completion of further operational and safety tests.
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