Bangladesh has started operating its first nuclear reactor at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a facility built with Russian assistance. The reactor, located on the banks of the Padma River, began its startup process on Friday, according to Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. The plant is expected to eventually contribute more than 10 percent of the country’s electricity needs.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was authorized to begin operations by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority a day before the reactor’s startup. This marks a significant step in Bangladesh’s energy strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase electricity supply. The reactor is one of several planned at the site, with full operational capacity expected in the coming years.
Bangladesh’s decision to invest in nuclear energy comes amid growing energy demands and the need to diversify its power sources. The country has been expanding its energy infrastructure, including investments in coal and renewable energy. The Rooppur plant, however, represents a major shift toward nuclear technology, with Russia playing a key role in its development and construction. The project has faced delays and scrutiny, but its activation signals progress in the nation’s long-term energy goals.
