Rooppur reaches first criticality; grid supply is still ahead

The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant began its first controlled nuclear chain reaction on 11 October. Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain told The Business Standard that the reaction began at 3:34pm.

This stage is known as first criticality. It begins a process toward electricity generation, but it is not the same as supplying electricity to the national grid. Heat transfer, conversion to mechanical power, generation and grid delivery require further steps.

BSS had reported on 8 October that the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority authorised the first controlled reaction. Its chairman said two further approvals would be required before power could be supplied to the grid.