Fuel Loading — The Historic Milestone
7 articlesBangladesh Enters Nuclear Energy Era as Fuel Loading Begins at Unit-1
Bangladesh moved a step closer to its long-cherished goal of generating nuclear energy with the start of fuel loading into the reactor core of Unit-1 at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, marking the transition from the construction to the startup phase. With this milestone, Bangladesh is poised to join a select group of nuclear power-producing countries — the third South Asian nation after India and Pakistan to generate nuclear energy. Officials said fuel loading would be completed in less than 45 days, and the reactor core would be warmed up within three months. If commissioning progresses smoothly, a minimum of 300 megawatts is expected to be added to the national grid by late July or early August.
energy diplomacyFuel Loading Begins at Rooppur; Bangladesh Enters Nuclear Power Era
Bangladesh formally entered the nuclear power era as uranium fuel loading began at Unit-1 of the Rooppur plant, making Bangladesh the 33rd country globally to generate electricity using nuclear energy. The process is expected to take between 21 and 30 days. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi both attended the ceremony.
energyBangladesh Embarks on its Historic Journey into Nuclear Power Generation
After overcoming COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine war, and a range of global crises, the fuel loading process for Rooppur's first unit began on April 28, 2026. It is expected that approximately 300 MW will be supplied to the national grid by August, with reactor power gradually increased in stages — 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 per cent capacity.
energyRooppur NPP Enters Fuel Loading Phase; Bangladesh Joins Nuclear Club
The fuel loading phase is the key commissioning stage. The reactor will be brought to the Minimum Controlled Level (MCL), where a stable controllable power level is achieved, before gradually increasing output. Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam gave symbolic permission to load nuclear fuel, with Rosatom Director General also present.
energyRooppur Nuclear Plant Begins Fuel Loading as Bangladesh Boosts Energy Security
The development marks the shift from construction to commissioning for Bangladesh's first nuclear facility developed with Russia's Rosatom. The plant uses VVER-1200 reactors, a Generation III+ design widely deployed in modern nuclear projects. The project is designed to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
energy financeRooppur Power Plant Gets Nuclear Fuel — 56 Licensed Engineers Ready
Project officials confirmed that 56 licensed Bangladeshi engineers will work alongside Russian experts after passing the required examinations. Around 1,100 local personnel will be engaged at the site. Former project director Shawkat Akbar noted each fuel assembly is about 4.6 metres long, weighing roughly 750kg, containing approximately 534kg of fuel.
energy"Today Bangladesh has joined the group of nations that use peaceful nuclear energy as a reliable source of sustainable development. Undoubtedly, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will become a key element of the country's energy system."
The Project — Overview & History
6 articlesRooppur Nuclear Power Plant: How Far Along Is Bangladesh's Biggest Energy Project?
A landmark explainer laying out Bangladesh's $12.65 billion nuclear project — the largest single infrastructure project in the country's history. Unit-1 was initially scheduled for October 2023; revised agreements now set unit-1 completion by December 2026 and unit-2 by December 2027. The transmission line to evacuate electricity was commissioned in June 2025. The final electricity tariff from Rooppur has not yet been determined. Officials attribute delays to COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine war, complications in financial transactions, and foreign currency shortages. The trial run is targeted for December 2025. Nuclear fuel has been delivered and system-level tests are underway.
energy financeRooppur Nuclear Power Plant — Project Facts & Technical Specifications
The comprehensive encyclopaedic record of the plant notes: the project is estimated to cost $12.65 billion, financed mainly through Russian export credit of $11.38 billion. The interest rate is set at 6-month SOFR (formerly LIBOR) plus 1.75%, with a maximum of 4% per year. A total of $7.98 billion had been disbursed to Bangladesh by Russia as of fiscal year 2024–25. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is estimated between $43.8/MWh and $82.5/MWh. The plant has a design life of 60 years with possible 20-year extension. The nuclear energy programme in Bangladesh dates back to 1961.
energy financeBangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Plant Moves Closer to Bringing First Reactor Online in 2026
Despite being a less economically developed nation, Bangladesh remains committed to top-notch energy projects. Following progress and achievements in 2025, including IAEA safety review completion in late 2025, news broke that Bangladesh's Rooppur nuclear plant should bring its first reactor online in 2026, creating tremendous anticipation. Once the project comes to fruition, it will be the first time that Bangladesh's energy supply comes from nuclear power — a monumental testament to the country's progress.
energyEnergy Security & Economic Impact
5 articlesBangladesh Gets First Uranium Shipment from Russia for Nuclear Power Plant
Bangladesh has received the first Russian shipment of uranium fuel for its first nuclear power plant, making it the 33rd country in the world to produce nuclear energy. Bangladesh has faced its worst electricity crisis since 2013, due to erratic weather and difficulty paying for fuel imports amid declining foreign reserves and a weakened national currency — a key reason the project has strong national support.
energyRooppur Will Provide Electricity at Lower Cost Compared to Fossil Fuels
According to the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Rooppur will provide electricity at a lower cost compared to fossil fuels and ensure long-term energy supply. It is expected to meet 10–12 per cent of the country's electricity demand. While contractual costs have not increased, dollar depreciation has raised overall project expenditure by approximately Tk 260 billion. The total cost is now estimated at about Tk 1.39 trillion.
energy financeGrid Lines Ready — Power Grid Company Builds Five New Lines for Rooppur Power
The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh has built five new grid lines to transmit Rooppur electricity. Three lines spanning 370 kilometres from Rooppur to Gopalganj, Bogura, and Baghabari are already complete with failovers and are ready to transmit power. The price of electricity per unit has not been finalised, but the NPCBL expects it to be cheaper than coal-generated power.
energyRooppur LCOE Competitive with Coal and Oil, Research Paper Finds
A research article published in 2020 indicates that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the Rooppur NPP is competitive with those of coal, oil, and renewable energy sources. The LCOE is currently higher than that of gas-based power plants in Bangladesh, but this situation may change as the country becomes more reliant on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported from the international market. Reducing dependence on oil and gas is crucial for Bangladesh due to depletion of these resources and adverse environmental effects.
energy environmentRussia Agrees to Extend Loan Disbursement for Rooppur Until 2026
During a meeting on February 26, 2025, between Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, the utilization period of the Russian export credit was extended until the end of 2026. The Russian export credit originally had a 7-year utilization period from 2017 to 2024, with a 10-year grace period and 20-year repayment period. Russia has disbursed $7.98 billion to Bangladesh as of fiscal year 2024–25.
finance diplomacyTechnology — The VVER-1200 Reactor
4 articlesCold Hydraulic Testing Complete for Rooppur-1 Nuclear Plant in Bangladesh
Cold hydraulic testing has been completed for Rooppur-1. While earlier reports projected a 2024 startup, the launch is now expected in late 2025 or 2026. The next stage of commissioning will include hot functional testing — checking the performance of reactor systems under operational conditions, but without nuclear fuel. This is a critical pre-fuel milestone that validates the integrity of all primary coolant systems.
safetyVVER-1200: Six Already Operational, More Underway Across Three Continents
The VVER-1200 reactors, classified as Generation III+ technology, are designed to meet international safety standards and are already operational in several reference units. Currently, six such reactors are in operation — four in Russia and two in Belarus — while similar projects are underway in Egypt, Hungary, Turkey, and China. Kazakhstan is also conducting engineering surveys for two planned units.
safetyPost-Fukushima Safety Design: Core Catcher, Passive Cooling, Double Containment
Built in line with post-Fukushima safety standards, the plant features passive safety systems and self-cooling for 72 hours without human intervention. It has a "core catcher" — a safety vessel designed to contain molten fuel in an unlikely meltdown. Double-containment reinforced concrete layers prevent radiation leaks and protect against external impacts. The Managing Director of NPCBL noted engineers will monitor synchronisation, turbine generator functions, and the efficacy of emergency support systems.
safetyRussia's TASS: Rooppur Plant Has a Life Cycle of 60 Years with 20-Year Extension Possible
Russia's state news agency TASS reported that the design and construction of the nuclear power plants is being carried out by the engineering division of Rosatom, and the plant will have a life cycle of 60 years with the possibility of extending its operations by 20 more years. Russia's state-run TVEL Fuel Company is providing the nuclear fuel. Russia has agreed to take back the spent fuel, using its own technology — a significant arrangement that covers the full lifecycle of the plant's fuel.
energy diplomacyIAEA — International Oversight
3 articlesIAEA Director General Grossi Congratulates Bangladesh on Historic Nuclear Achievement
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a press release congratulated Bangladesh on the historic achievement. He said the milestone marks Bangladesh's journey towards becoming one of the newest states to use nuclear energy and to generate reliable, low-carbon electricity. Grossi joined the fuel loading ceremony virtually.
safetyIAEA Safety Review Successfully Completed in Late 2025
Safety review by the IAEA was successfully completed in late 2025, a prerequisite for the commencement of fuel loading operations. The IAEA review examined safety systems, emergency plans, and operator readiness — all critical conditions for Bangladesh's newly licensed nuclear operators to begin reactor commissioning procedures.
safetyBangladesh Fulfils All IAEA Guidelines for Nuclear Fuel Import and Storage Licence
Bangladesh obtained the licence for nuclear fuel import and storage at the Rooppur project after fulfilling all necessary requirements under the IAEA's guidelines. The reactor is set up in accordance with IAEA standards. The licence was a major prerequisite before the first uranium shipment could arrive from Russia.
safety diplomacyCorruption Investigations & The "Pillow Scandal"
8 articlesRussian-Built Rooppur: Monument of Corruption, Embezzlement — and a Ticking Atomic Bomb?
A sharply critical investigative piece alleges the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been at the centre of significant corruption investigations. The core of the scandal involves claims that approximately $5 billion was embezzled or received as kickbacks during the project's development. The allegations primarily target former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members. Investigative reports allege that misappropriated funds were funnelled through Russian "slush funds" and deposited into Malaysian banks. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh officially launched a probe in late 2024. There are persistent reports of wage delays and poor working conditions; workers' protests were reportedly met with police intervention.
corruption politicsACC Launches Probe Against Hasina, Family Over Tk 80,000 Crore Corruption
The ACC announced it had initiated an investigation against Sheikh Hasina and her family members, including British MP Tulip Siddiq, regarding allegations of embezzlement amounting to Tk80,000 crore — which includes more than $5 billion (Tk59,000 crore) from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project.
corruptionRooppur: Separating Fact from Fiction in the $5bn Embezzlement Allegations
A measured analysis of the corruption claims acknowledges that while corruption allegations are widespread, many details remain contested. The most widely reported scandal is the "pillow scandal" — officials were accused of massively inflating costs for furnishing a residential complex for plant staff, including pillows priced at BDT 5,957 each.
corruptionRosatom Slams Reports on Corruption at Rooppur Nuclear Plant as False
Russia's state news agency TASS reports that Rosatom has formally denied allegations of corruption related to the Rooppur nuclear plant project, calling the reports false and stating the project is proceeding with full compliance with all contractual obligations. The statement emphasised Russia's commitment to the project's completion.
corruption diplomacyThe Rooppur Power Plant Scandal — A Detailed Case Study
A comprehensive tracker cataloguing all allegations, investigations, and official responses. It notes concerns that the project's overall cost was intentionally inflated to facilitate kickbacks. Sources include Reuters, Financial Times, The Telegraph, Dhaka Tribune, The Business Standard, and UN Human Rights reports.
corruptionHC Issues Rule over ACC's Inaction on Alleged RNPP Fund Embezzlement
The High Court issued a rule questioning the Anti-Corruption Commission's inaction on alleged embezzlement of RNPP funds by Hasina's family — indicating judicial pressure on the regulatory body to act. The court's intervention marked a new escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding the project's financial irregularities.
corruption politicsEnforcing Anti-Corruption Efforts around the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project
A UK law firm's published analysis examines the international legal dimensions of the Rooppur corruption allegations, exploring avenues for asset recovery, international anti-corruption enforcement, and the evidentiary challenges in pursuing cross-border corruption cases linked to infrastructure megaprojects financed through state credit mechanisms.
corruptionThe Tulip Siddiq Affair — UK Political Fallout
5 articlesCity Minister Tulip Siddiq Named in Bangladesh Corruption Claim
The Financial Times reported that UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq was named in Bangladesh corruption claims linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The report — by George Parker, Anna Gross, Chris Kay, and Krishn Kaushik — named her in connection to allegations involving her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The case drew significant UK political attention, raising questions about ministerial propriety and familial connections to overseas state contracts.
corruption politicsLuxury London Flat Allegedly Purchased with Funds Embezzled from Rooppur
The Daily Telegraph reported that the ACC received claims indicating a luxury flat in London, now valued at £700,000 and given to Tulip Siddiq, was allegedly purchased with embezzled funds from the Rooppur project. However, Labour sources clarified that the flat, gifted by a businessman associated with her aunt Sheikh Hasina, had been given in 2004 — before the nuclear agreement was signed in 2013, suggesting it is not directly related to the plant contract.
corruption politicsTulip Siddiq Hit with Arrest Warrant on Corruption Charges
Samaan Lateef and Dominic Penna reported that Tulip Siddiq was hit with an arrest warrant on corruption charges in Bangladesh. The warrant was a further legal escalation of the ongoing corruption probe stemming from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant embezzlement allegations. Ms Siddiq denied all wrongdoing.
corruption politicsLabour Candidate Accused of Links to Putin and £1bn Arms Deal — An Early Warning
Simon Walters' 2015 piece in The Mail on Sunday raised early concerns about Tulip Siddiq's family connections to Russian-Bangladeshi arms and energy deals. The article, written a decade before the main scandal broke, is now seen as an early flag that journalists had been tracking the family's geopolitical ties for years.
politicsUK Lawmaker Tulip Siddiq Appointed as City Minister
Reuters reported on Tulip Siddiq's appointment as UK City Minister in July 2024 — shortly before the political transition in Bangladesh and the subsequent corruption investigation that would bear her name. Her appointment to a senior Treasury role made the subsequent Bangladesh corruption allegations especially politically sensitive in the UK.
politicsRussia–Bangladesh Diplomacy & Geopolitics
4 articlesLavrov Assures Bangladesh: Russia Committed to Completing Rooppur Despite Western Sanctions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — the first Russian FM to visit Bangladesh since its 1971 independence — assured Bangladesh that Moscow was committed to completing the project on time despite obstacles from Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. The Rooppur project became a test case for Russia's ability to pursue international nuclear exports under sanction pressure, with complications in financial transactions, logistics, and movement of Russian experts all cited as key challenges.
diplomacyRussia Grants Bangladesh $1 Billion Loan for Weapons — Paving the Way for Nuclear Deal
Reuters reported that Russia granted Bangladesh a $1 billion loan for weapons purchases — an offset arrangement that effectively paved the way for the construction phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. As with many offset agreements in the global arms trade, the deal raised early concerns about potential kickbacks and corruption that would later materialise in investigations.
diplomacy financeRussia Agrees to Extend Loan Utilization Period Until End of 2026
Shaikh Abdullah and Saifuddin Saif reported that during a February 26, 2025 meeting between Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Russia agreed to extend the loan disbursement utilization period until the end of 2026 — a key concession that kept the project financially viable following the political transition in Bangladesh.
finance diplomacyRussia Seeks Continuity of Gazprom's Work in Bangladesh Beyond Nuclear Project
Russia is seeking to maintain and expand its energy footprint in Bangladesh beyond the Rooppur nuclear project, with Gazprom seeking continuity of its gas-related work in the country. The report signals Russia's strategic interest in Bangladesh as an energy-dependent partner, with Rosatom's nuclear project serving as the cornerstone of a broader energy cooperation agenda.
diplomacy energyEnvironment, Safety Concerns & Expert Views
4 articlesIAEA and Bangladeshi Authorities Raised Significant Safety Concerns over Known Radiation Issues in Rosatom Reactors
A critical report alleges that significant safety concerns were raised by the IAEA and Bangladeshi authorities over radiation issues in Rosatom-built nuclear reactors, with reports suggesting Russia keeps known issues "under wraps" to promote Rosatom business. The report draws comparisons with the Astravets plant in Belarus, where a reactor pressure vessel was dropped during construction and the incident was initially concealed. Critics argue a culture of secrecy prioritised speed over safety.
safety environmentExperts Express Concerns Over High Cost — But Acknowledge CO₂ Reduction Benefits
Many experts have expressed concerns over the high cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, arguing it costs higher than similar projects worldwide. However, experts also believe the plant will play a crucial role in ensuring energy security and reducing CO₂ emissions at a low cost compared to fossil fuels. Reducing dependence on electricity generated from oil and gas is crucial for Bangladesh due to both resource depletion and adverse environmental effects.
environment energy"Nuclear Culture Must Prioritise Safety Above All" — Former Project Director
Shawkat Akbar, who served as project director from 2008 to 2024, said that as the plant transitions from construction to operational phase, focus now should be on building a nuclear culture that prioritises safety and security above all other organisational goals. "During the construction period, our priority was industrial safety; but as we begin the physical startup, we must focus on nuclear safety," he said.
safetyKey Project Data at a Glance
| Parameter | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactor Type | VVER-1200 (Gen III+) | VVER-1200 (Gen III+) | Rosatom / BAEC |
| Capacity | 1,200 MW | 1,200 MW | NPCBL |
| Original Completion Target | October 2023 | October 2024 | BAEC contract |
| Revised Target (June 2025 agreement) | December 2026 | December 2027 | Ministry of S&T |
| Fuel Loading Date | 28 April 2026 | Not yet commenced | Daily Star / TBS |
| Grid Connection (trial) | ~300 MW by Jul–Aug 2026 | TBD | Prothom Alo |
| Total Project Cost | $12.65 billion (≈ Tk 1.39 trillion) | BAEC / Wikipedia | |
| Russian Loan Amount | $11.38 billion (90% of total cost) | Economic Relations Div. | |
| Disbursed as of FY2024–25 | $7.98 billion | ERD Annual Report | |
| Loan Terms | 10-yr grace, 20-yr repayment, SOFR + 1.75% (max 4%) | Finance Ministry | |
| LCOE (government estimate) | $56.73 / MWh | GoB report | |
| LCOE (research range) | $43.8 – $82.5 / MWh (9 scenarios) | Research paper 2020 | |
| Plant Design Life | 60 years + possible 20-yr extension | TASS / Rosatom | |
| Fuel Supplier | TVEL Fuel Company, Russia | Rosatom | |
| Spent Fuel | Russia takes back under agreement | BAEC | |
| Bangladeshi Engineers Licensed | 56 (as of Apr 2026) | NPCBL | |
| Local Personnel at Site | ~1,100 | NPCBL | |
| Transmission Lines Built | 5 lines (3 complete to Gopalganj, Bogura, Baghabari — 370 km) | PGCB | |
| Self-Cooling Duration | 72 hours without human intervention | Rosatom / IAEA | |
World Press — Full Article Index
All sources listed"The peaceful utilisation of nuclear energy will play a vital role in ensuring national energy security, accelerating industrialisation and fostering the growth of a technology-driven economy. The Rooppur project stands as a symbol of Bangladesh's scientific advancement."