Pabna Correspondent:

Bangladesh is on the cusp of a historic energy milestone as the trial run of the nation’s first-ever nuclear power plant at Rooppur is scheduled for December 2025.

The $12.65 billion project, built with Russian assistance, has faced multiple delays, shifting deadlines, and unresolved tariff concerns.

ORIGINAL DEADLINES

• Unit-1, a 1,200-megawatt reactor, was initially scheduled for completion in October 2023.
• Unit-2, also 1,200 megawatts, was planned for October 2024.
• Authorities later targeted December 2024 for the start of operations, but this schedule was not met.
• Bangladesh requested a November 2025 trial run, but Russia confirmed it would begin in December 2025.
• Current revised agreements now set unit-1 completion by December 2026 and unit-2 by December 2027.

REASONS FOR DELAYS

• The transmission line to evacuate electricity was commissioned only on 2 June 2025.
• Dependence on Russian suppliers and technology caused logistical setbacks.
• Safety and regulatory checks, including an IAEA Pre-OSART review, extended the schedule.
• Other factors included site unrest after political changes in August 2024, temporary absence of foreign experts, and employee layoffs.

TARIFF UNCERTAINTY

• The final electricity tariff from Rooppur has not yet been determined.
• A technical committee under the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has submitted a report.
• Final pricing numbers are expected to be circulated to stakeholders for discussion within two weeks.

TRIAL RUN AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Nuclear fuel has been delivered and system-level tests are underway.
• Trial operations are expected to start in December 2025.
• Once both reactors are fully operational, the plant will supply 2,400 MW to the national grid.

The trial run in December 2025 will mark Bangladesh’s entry into nuclear power generation.