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Power generation from Unit-1 of Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is encountering further delays as the project awaits a crucial commissioning license. While fuel loading and initial tests are complete, the plant cannot commence electricity production until it secures a B2 commissioning license from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA).

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Following approval from the regulatory authority, we loaded nuclear fuel into Unit-1 and completed 90 major tests. We are prepared to enter the next phase once BAERA conducts its final inspection and grants the licence.

Government officials had initially anticipated Unit-1 would contribute at least 300MW to the national grid by August, following the commencement of fuel loading on April 28. However, this target is now acknowledged as unachievable. Project officials confirmed that the plant has finalized preparations for "criticality," the stage where a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins, a key milestone according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Fuel loading and essential commissioning tests were conducted under a B1 license issued by BAERA on April 16. The next step, achieving criticality and initiating power generation, requires the B2 license. "We are prepared to enter the next phase once BAERA conducts its final inspection and grants the license," stated Dr. Md. Zahedul Hasan, managing director of the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh (NPCBL), adding that even after criticality, four to six weeks are needed before power generation can start.

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Issuing a licence at this stage is complex and requires complete operational readiness. We will not proceed until inspections produce fully satisfactory results.

BAERA has not provided a timeline for issuing the B2 license. BAERA Chairman Md. Mahamudul Hasan emphasized that licensing at this stage is complex and demands complete operational readiness. "We will not proceed until inspections produce fully satisfactory results," he told The Daily Star, declining to offer a timeline and stressing that safety and regulatory compliance cannot be rushed, despite prior project delays. Former Rooppur Project Director Dr. Shawkat Akbar highlighted the necessity of close coordination among all stakeholders, including the implementing agency, operator, regulator, contractor, and designer, for successful commissioning.

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In a nuclear project, the implementing agency, regulator and operator, along with the contractor and designer, must work in unison. When each fulfils its responsibilities through proper coordination, the project succeeds.