Bangladesh’s historic nuclear initiative is made possible through technical and financial support from Russia. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant features two VVER 1200 reactors of the latest 3+ generation, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW.
In a landmark development for Bangladesh’s energy sector, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming the country’s first nuclear power facility. Sources confirm that the first unit of the 2,400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is now prepared to load dummy fuel assemblies as part of its pre-commissioning process.
On Tuesday, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, announced that the refuelling machine for the RNPP’s first power unit is ready to handle 163 dummy fuel assemblies. This marks the final preparatory stage before the actual loading of these assemblies into the reactor core, scheduled to occur in the coming days.
The refuelling machine, a crucial component of the plant’s refuelling system, weighs over 60 tonnes and is situated above the fuel pool and reactor pit. It includes a mechanical assembly composed of a bridge, trolley, and service area, along with sophisticated control and monitoring systems. These systems enable remote control and visual oversight of the refuelling process, ensuring high precision and safety.
Denis Muzlov, Director of the Atomtechenergo Branch in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of the refuelling machine, stating, “The refuelling machine is a critical element for the safe operation of the nuclear power plant. It must operate with a precision error margin of no more than 2.0mm at any given coordinate.”
Atomtechenergo, a subsidiary of Rosatom specializing in the commissioning of nuclear power plants, has been instrumental in preparing this equipment. The company is renowned for its expertise in power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities.
Bangladesh’s historic nuclear initiative is made possible through technical and financial support from Russia. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant features two VVER 1200 reactors of the latest 3+ generation, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW. Rosatom’s Engineering Division serves as the general contractor for this landmark project, marking a significant advancement in Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.
