Pabna, Oct 01 (V7N) – A key test of the safety valve system at Unit-1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been successfully completed, marking a significant step forward in the commissioning process of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
The Pressure Operated Relief Valve (PORV) was successfully tested at a pressure of 16 megapascals (MPa) on Wednesday (Sept 30), according to officials of the Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL).
NPCBL Managing Director Dr Zayedul Hasan confirmed on Thursday morning that the technical problem with the PORV had been resolved following the successful test.
He said the testing began on Tuesday night and continued until Wednesday night. The tests were conducted from both the main control room and the emergency control room.
During the test, the performance of the control valves was checked first. After their performance was found satisfactory, the operation and response of the associated main safety valve were also examined.
Officials monitored the valve’s response, opening and closing operations, alarms and other relevant process parameters throughout the test.
Dr Zayedul said the testing was conducted in accordance with approved procedures and required safety conditions. Before and during the test, communication systems, fire safety arrangements, radiation protection measures and other relevant safety systems were checked.
He described the successful completion of the PORV test as an important milestone in the commissioning of the nuclear power plant, as the system is directly connected with maintaining safe pressure in the reactor’s primary system.
Dr Zayedul said safety was being given the highest priority throughout the commissioning process.
“Every test is being conducted only after the necessary preparations, approvals, briefings and safety conditions have been ensured. There will be no compromise on safety to meet the scheduled timeline,” he said.
The next test is expected to be conducted soon at a pressure of around 18 MPa. The commissioning team is proceeding in stages, with each phase being carefully tested and verified before moving to the next.
Earlier, uncertainty had emerged over the start of electricity generation from Unit-1 following problems with the safety valve.
Officials said Russian nuclear engineering contractor JSC ASE had proposed transferring a pilot-operated relief valve from Unit-2 to Unit-1 to support preparations for commissioning the first unit.
On Sept 3, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam told a press conference at ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka, that the start of electricity supply from Unit-1 to the national grid had been delayed due to a problem with the safety valve. At the time, he did not provide a specific timeline for resolving the problem or beginning power generation.
As the issue received widespread media attention amid the country’s ongoing electricity situation, discussions were held with the Russian government to resolve the problem. A five-member team of Russian experts arrived at Rooppur on Sept 22 to assist with the technical issue.
Dr Zayedul said the Russian experts worked alongside Bangladeshi specialists to resolve the problem and complete the testing successfully.
Meanwhile, the first shipment of nuclear fuel, or uranium, for Unit-2 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said in a statement that the supply of nuclear fuel for Unit-2 would begin in October 2026 and continue through December, with the delivery process expected to be completed by the end of December.
According to the project schedule and contractual arrangements, the fuel will be transported to Bangladesh on multiple flights.
An NPCBL official said fuel-carrying flights generally arrive in Bangladesh on Thursday nights. The shipment is then expected to be transported to the Rooppur project site in Ishwardi, Pabna, under tight security the following morning.
Accordingly, after the first shipment arrives on Thursday, Oct 1, it is expected to be transported by road from Dhaka to the Rooppur project area in Ishwardi on Friday, Oct 2, under special security arrangements for delivery to Unit-2.
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