DHAKA, October 30: Confusion has emerged over whether the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has started generating electricity, following differing statements from the government.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam told journalists on Friday that trial electricity generation had begun at the plant’s first unit. However, a subsequent press release from the Ministry of Science and Technology clarified that the unit had entered the Power Start-up Stage C of its commissioning process.

According to the press release, signed by the ministry’s Senior Public Relations Officer Abdullah Al Mamun, a significant milestone was achieved in the commissioning of Unit-1 on Friday.

The ministry said the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) chairman had granted approval on Thursday, October 29, to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited to begin Power Start-up Stage C activities.

Following the approval, the formal activities under this stage commenced at Unit-1 on Friday.

What is Stage C?

Stage C is a crucial phase in the commissioning process of the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. During this stage, the reactor's power level will be gradually increased to test the performance and integrated operation of various systems at the facility.

The tests will cover the reactor, primary and secondary systems, turbine-generator, electrical systems, instrumentation and control systems, reactor protection systems, and safety-related equipment.

As reactor power is gradually raised, prescribed tests and evaluations will be conducted at each level. Particular attention will be given to the performance of the turbine control and protection systems, generator and associated electrical systems.

Grid Connection Subject to Successful Tests

One of the key objectives of Stage C is to synchronise Unit-1's generator with the national power grid after the successful completion of the required tests and move towards stable electricity supply.

However, the process will be carried out in phases, subject to regulatory requirements, completion of the necessary commissioning procedures and approval from the relevant authorities.

The ministry described the approval and commencement of Power Start-up Stage C as a significant step forward in Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, stressing that nuclear safety remains the highest priority throughout the process.

While the minister's remarks suggested that trial electricity generation had begun, the ministry's statement specifically confirmed the start of Stage C of the commissioning process.

The clarification indicates that the commencement of this phase should not be interpreted as confirmation that electricity is already being supplied to the national grid. Further testing, progress in the commissioning process and formal announcements from the relevant authorities will determine when grid-connected power generation can begin.