The first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) today commenced power start-up operation of its first unit.

"Power start-up operations for Unit-1 commenced this morning after getting permission on Thursday," Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) Chairman Mahmudul Hasan confrimed.

The chairman said currently the turbine is being heated for electricity generation and after generating power it will be used for internal activities.

“We are currently conducting turbine check, which will continue. Once power generation reaches 300 megawatts (MW), another inspection will be carried out. If everything is found satisfactory, permission will be granted to supply electricity to the national grid,” he said.

According to RNPP project, the unit-1 would have to attain one more certification, named D, before supplying first nuclear power to the national grid.