Rosatom discusses additional Rooppur nuclear units with Bangladesh

Rosatom is discussing the possible construction of another phase of large power units at Bangladesh's Rooppur nuclear plant, company chief Alexei Likhachev said at Russian Energy Week on October 14.

Likhachev described increasing Rooppur's capacity as the main potential direction for further cooperation. The parties are also discussing small nuclear plants and a research reactor.

The existing project comprises two units with combined capacity of 2,400 MW. Construction is based on an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011.

Fuel loading began at the first unit on April 28, 2026. On October 12, Rosatom reported that the reactor had reached its minimum controlled power level. Power startup and connection to the grid are subsequent stages.

Rosatom expects startup work on the second unit to begin in 2027. Bangladesh's government will play the key role in decisions on any further expansion, Likhachev said.