In November 30, 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian poured the ‘First Concrete’ at the Unit-1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant marking the entry of Bangladesh to the World Nuclear Club as a proud member. To commemorate this day, November 30 has been decided to be celebrated as the ‘Nuclear Day’.
On this occasion, Nuclear Power Plant Co. of Bangladesh (NPCBL), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) organised different programmes on Saturday.
The celebration began with the release of balloons and pigeons, which was followed by a colorful rally. Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Project Director of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction project along with the Directors of NPCBL, representatives from District and Upazilla Administration, officials and employees of the organizations related to the project, local dignitaries and representatives from national and regional media took part in the rally.
Discussion meetings on various topics relevant to project implementation along with presentations were held in the afternoon. Different traditional Bangladeshi sports events were also organised for the participants.
The day-long programme ended up with a discussion meeting and an enchanting cultural function organised in the evening.
In addition, the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is being implemented under an intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia and Bangladesh on November 2nd of 2011.
Rooppur NPP with two VVER-1200 reactors and the total capacity of 2400 MW is being constructed under the Russian design at Rooppur village of Pabna District, under the financial and technical assistance from Russia. Rosatom State Corporation of Russia is the technical consultant and main equipment supplier of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The General Contractor for Rooppur NPP construction is Atomstroyexport (the engineering division of Rosatom).
The Russian design with VVER-1200 reactors that was selected for the first NPP is an evolutionary Gen III+ design which fully complies with all international safety requirements.
On November 30,2017 the ‘First Concrete’ ceremony of power unit - 1, was held marking the beginning of main phase of construction. The ‘First Concrete’ ceremony of power unit – 2 took place on July 14, 2018.