The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant may begin supplying electricity to the national grid before December if everything goes according to plan, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has said.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in response to a question from journalists at a press conference at the Secretariat ahead of the Bangladesh AI Business Summit 2026.
The minister said the plant was currently at the C-stage of commissioning, with each phase requiring clearance from the relevant regulatory authorities before proceeding to the next.
The plant has so far reached 20% thermal capacity. Once it reaches 35-40%, the steam generated will be used to turn the turbine, which will drive the generator to produce electricity, he said.
However, several tests remain before the plant can begin generating electricity, the minister said, stressing that safety would not be compromised under any circumstances.
He said equipment would be dismantled, tested and repaired if necessary until satisfactory results were achieved. The process could be repeated two, three or even four times to ensure safety. The plant would not supply electricity to the national grid until all safety requirements were fully met.
Fakir Mahbub Anam said the plant could start supplying electricity within the next five to six weeks, provided progress remains on track. However, he declined to set a firm deadline, citing the extensive technical tests and safety procedures involved in commissioning a nuclear power plant.
He also said it had taken nearly two months to resolve an issue involving a VVR valve, which was eventually addressed in coordination with Russian contractor Rosatom.
Outlining the production plan, the minister said the plant would initially generate 300MW, with output gradually increased in phases.
The authorities expect generation to exceed 1,100MW within the first six months, although the pace of expansion will depend on progress made by scientists and technical experts working at the site.
