The event was attended by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, and Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Science and Technology of Bangladesh, who gave symbolic permission to load nuclear fuel into the first power unit of Rooppur NPP. Later, the reactor will be brought to minimum controlled level (MCL), that is, to a stable controllable power level, after which a gradual increase of power will begin. The next stage will be the power start-up when the generated electricity will be transmitted to the power grid of Bangladesh.
“Today Bangladesh has joined the club of the countries who use peaceful atom as a reliable source of sustainable development. Rooppur NPP will definitely become the most important element of the energy system of the country. For Rosatom, this project is another important step in developing peaceful nuclear power, strengthening friendly relations with our foreign partners. We are happy that we participate in construction of a modern and reliable nuclear power plant together with our Bangladeshi friends and we can see further prospects of our cooperation”, said Alexey Likhachev.
“The peaceful utilization of nuclear energy will play a vital role in ensuring national energy security, accelerating industrialization and fostering the growth of a technology-driven economy. The Rooppur project stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s scientific advancement and demonstrates our readiness and capability to harness advanced technologies responsibly and effectively”, said Fakir Mahbub Anam.
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Rooppur NPP equipped with two VVER-1200 reactors of the total 2400 MW capacity is being constructed under the Russian design 160 km from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, in accordance with General Contract dated December 25, 2015. The Russian design with VVER-1200 reactors selected for the first NPP in Bangladesh. Rosatom flagship VVER-1200 reactors have already proven their efficiency and reliability during the operation at reference power units. This is an evolutionary Generation III+ design, which fully complies with all the international safety requirements. Currently, six power units are being operated on the basis of such reactors - four of them in Russia and two in the Republic of Belarus. Construction of NPPs under the Russian technology is in progress in Egypt, Hungary, Turkey and China. Engineering survey is going on in the Republic of Kazakhstan for construction of two VVER-1200 power units.
Russia is consistently developing international trade and economic relations, focusing on cooperation with friendly countries. Despite external restrictions, the domestic economy is augmenting its export potential to supply goods, services and raw materials all over the world.