Pabna Correspondent:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recommended improvements in fire prevention and response, operational supervision, and preservation of equipment during commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

The suggestions were given after a Pre-Operational Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) reviewed safety practices at Unit 1 of the plant during its visit from August 10 to 27 to the NPP. The mission took place at the request of the government ahead of its planned commercial operation.

The IAEA said the operator of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is committed to strengthening operational safety and reliability as Bangladesh prepares to bring the facility online.

The mission highlighted good practices, notably the Rooppur Training Centre’s use of a simulator for refuelling machine operations. At the same time, the IAEA mission focused on leadership, training, operations, maintenance, emergency preparedness and accident management, among other areas, according to a press release.

Located in Pabna on the banks of the Padma River, the Rooppur NPP is the country’s first nuclear power facility. Owned by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and operated by Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited, the plant consists of two VVER-1200 reactors with a total generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts.

Construction of Unit 1 began in November 2017 and of Unit 2 in July 2018.

The IAEA team of 14 experts from Europe, Asia and the US observed commissioning and pre-operational activities, held discussions with staff and reviewed technical documents.

Simon Morgan, senior nuclear safety officer at the IAEA, said the team found plant management committed to ensuring all prerequisites are in place for a safe transition from commissioning to operation.

Md Kabir Hossain, project director of the Rooppur NPP, said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and values IAEA peer reviews as an important tool for self-assessment.

The IAEA will submit its final report on the mission to Bangladesh within three months.