Rooppur Nuclear Plant Power Supply Delayed by Safety Valve Issue
Fakir Mahbub Anam, the Science and Technology Minister, announced a delay in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant’s first unit. Power supply to the national grid is now uncertain. This is because of problems with safety valves. The Minister spoke at a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.
The press conference was held at ICT Tower in Agargaon. It was part of a review of the first 180 days of the BNP government. The Minister discussed achievements from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Preparatory tests for the Rooppur plant’s first unit began on April 28. The goal was to start supplying electricity within four to six months. This was planned after fuel loading. Tests have now completed several stages. Stage B is finished.
However, the plant cannot move to Stage C. This is due to issues with two safety valves. The Minister could not give a specific date for repairs. He also could not say when the first unit would start providing electricity.
Russian experts will visit the site. They will examine the safety valves. They need to find out why the valves are not working correctly. The actual cause will be known after their full assessment.
The project designer believes the two safety valves might need replacing. Two options are being considered. One is to use valves meant for the second unit and install them in the first unit. The other option is to ask the Russian supplier to make and send new valves quickly. The Minister said they will choose the faster and more practical solution.
At the same press conference, Fakir Mahbub Anam also mentioned other discussions. The Ministry is talking with mobile operators. They want to let customers use unused mobile data even after their data package ends. He said they discussed giving customers one or two extra days to use remaining data.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Rehan Asif Asad, was also present. ICT Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also attended the press conference.
