Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has cleared a critical step in commissioning Unit-1, successfully completing a high-pressure test of its Pressure Operated Relief Valve (PORV) system at 16 MPa. The test began on Tuesday and was completed on Wednesday, The Daily Star reported.
Dr Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited, said engineers in the Main Control Room and the Emergency Control Room monitored the valve's response, its opening and closing speeds, and the alarm systems. A faulty valve had been replaced in early July after earlier test results fell short.
Three more major tests remain before Unit-1 reaches criticality, the first stage of power generation. If they are completed successfully in October, the plant could begin generating electricity by the end of 2026.
Fuel preparations are also moving ahead. The first uranium shipment was scheduled to arrive on 2 October, with seven more flights expected by December.
The project is expected to open a new chapter for the country's power sector and add a reliable long-term source of electricity.
