Bangladesh’s flagship nuclear power project is expected to contribute between 1,000MW and 1,100MW of electricity to the national grid by December 2026, according to Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable titled “Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh’s Path Forward” in Ishwardi, Pabna, on Friday, the minister said commercial operations of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant are scheduled to begin in August 2026.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the commercial operation of the first unit in August,” Anam said. “Following commissioning, a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will conduct inspections. Based on the outcome of those assessments, power generation will be increased gradually until the unit reaches its full capacity of around 1,100MW.”
The discussion was attended by IAEA experts, members of parliament, business leaders, scientists, policymakers and senior government officials.
The minister described nuclear energy as a strategic national asset rather than simply another power generation project, arguing that it would strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term energy security while helping to reduce carbon emissions.
“Nuclear power is a major step forward for national development. It is a low-carbon source of electricity and will support the country’s growing energy demand for decades,” he said.
Anam also outlined progress on the second reactor unit, saying fuel loading could begin by April 2027 if construction and commissioning activities continue on schedule.
“If everything remains on track, we expect to load fuel into the reactor of the second unit by April 2027,” he said.
Addressing public concerns over safety, the minister said the Rooppur facility is equipped with Generation III+ reactor technology, which incorporates advanced safety systems developed in response to lessons learned from earlier nuclear accidents worldwide.
He added that Bangladesh was establishing a comprehensive nuclear programme that would support not only electricity generation but also wider applications in healthcare, agriculture and food security while ensuring reliable power supplies for the next six decades.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain called for constructive public engagement, saying informed criticism and scrutiny would help ensure the successful commissioning of the country’s first nuclear power station.
IAEA expert Eric Mathet stressed the importance of developing and retaining highly skilled professionals, noting that a sustainable nuclear programme requires long-term investment in human resources and technical expertise.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Habibur Rahman said public interest in the project’s safety and security remained high and that the government had a responsibility to address those concerns transparently.
“People want to know about the safety and security of the plant,” he said. “As this is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power station, there is naturally strong public interest in how it will operate.”
Members of Parliament Salim Reza and Abu Taleb Mondal also participated in the discussion.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, being built with Russian assistance in Pabna district, is Bangladesh’s first nuclear energy project and is expected to play a central role in diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.