The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, has reached a major milestone with the successful commissioning of its main and auxiliary transformers at the first power unit—paving the way for integration with the national electricity grid.
The main step-up transformers, which convert 24-kV electricity generated by the turbine into 400 kV for transmission, are now operational. Each transformer is capable of transmitting up to 1,599 MW—well above the unit’s design capacity of 1,200 MW—providing both reliability and buffer capacity.
Each transformer weighs around 400 tons per phase, with the installation requiring more than 150 kilometers of cabling, said a release.
Auxiliary transformers, which supply electricity to the internal systems of the power unit, have also been commissioned. These transformers are equipped for dual-mode operation—able to draw power either from the national grid or directly from the generator during power production. This replaces the earlier reliance on standby transformers and marks a significant transition toward full operational readiness.
“This achievement reflects the well-coordinated efforts of all involved teams,” said Alexey Deriy, Vice President for Projects in Bangladesh at Atomstroyexport, the Russian contractor implementing the project. “Despite logistical and climatic challenges, the team delivered excellent results. This is a vital step toward the safe and reliable commissioning of the power unit.”
In the coming days, the plant will undergo a series of hot functional tests, including validation of safety systems and operational protocols such as controlled steam discharge. While this may generate temporary noise, officials confirmed the process is planned and poses no risk to nearby residents.
The Rooppur NPP, featuring two Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2,400 MW, is being built with financial and technical support from the Russian Federation. Rosatom’s Engineering Division is serving as the project’s general contractor.
Rosatom has reiterated its commitment to maintaining international safety and regulatory standards throughout the construction and commissioning phases.