Bangladesh's maiden nuclear power plant begins fuel loading

DHAKA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh reached a historic milestone in its energy sector on Tuesday afternoon when unit 1 of its first nuclear power plant began fuel loading.

"Nuclear energy will meet the growing electricity demand driven by our industrial development," said the country's Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, who chaired the fuel loading ceremony.

He described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as more than just a power station, calling it a major leap forward for the nation's technological capabilities, a foundation for building skilled manpower, and a source of renewed self-confidence for future successes.

The ceremony also included a recorded message from International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who congratulated Bangladesh on reaching the fuel-loading milestone.

Bangladesh's maiden nuclear plant scheme is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission under the country's Science and Technology Ministry.

The project is located in Bangladesh's Pabna district, about 216 km west of Dhaka, and consists of two plant units with a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. Enditem