📌As Bangladesh reaches the fuel loading stage at its first Russian‑designed NPP, Tanzania continues its own preparatory work on nuclear infrastructure under memoranda signed with Rosatom
On 28 April 2026, loading of fresh nuclear fuel began at power unit 1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. The power plant designed by Rosatom will be equipped with two VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2,400 MW. VVER-1200 reactors belong to Generation III+; they are already in operation in Russia and Belarus. This phase was the first one within the framework of the key commissioning stage of the unit.
The event was attended by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Minister of Science and Technology of Bangladesh Fakir Mahbub Anam, who gave symbolic permission to load nuclear fuel into the first power unit of Rooppur NPP.
“Today Bangladesh has joined the club of the countries who use peaceful atom as a reliable source of sustainable development. Rooppur NPP will definitely become the most important element of the energy system of the country. For Rosatom, this project is another important step in developing peaceful nuclear power, strengthening friendly relations with our foreign partners. We are happy that we participate in construction of a modern and reliable nuclear power plant together with our Bangladeshi friends and we can see further prospects of our cooperation,” emphasised Alexey Likhachev.
“The peaceful utilisation of nuclear energy will play a vital role in ensuring national energy security, accelerating industrialisation and fostering the growth of a technology-driven economy. The Rooppur project stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s scientific advancement and demonstrates our readiness and capability to harness advanced technologies responsibly and effectively”, noted Fakir Mahbub Anam.
Bangladesh is not the only country pursuing nuclear energy with Russian VVER technology. Construction of NPPs under the Russian technology is in progress in Egypt, Hungary, Turkey and China. Engineering survey is going on in the Republic of Kazakhstan for construction of two VVER-1200 power units.
Tanzania and Rosatom have signed memoranda of understanding in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy, including nuclear infrastructure development and personnel training. In 2023, with IAEA support, the country began work on assessing its readiness to implement a nuclear programme. The Tanzanian government has stated its intention to consider the possibility of building a nuclear power plant in the long term to diversify its energy mix. The parties are also discussing projects in nuclear medicine and agriculture.
