Nuclear energy to bolster national grid by June: Khosru

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is expected to be connected to the national grid on a trial basis between June and July.

“Fuel loading at the plant will begin on 7 April. One unit of the project could generate around 1,200 megawatts of electricity at full capacity by December,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin at the Planning Commission in the city.

Underscoring the urgency of solving the energy crisis, he emphasized the immediate necessity of moving into the production phase.

The government is aggressively prioritising the addition of new power to the national grid to ensure power security, he added.

He reiterated that the administration is committed to achieving this stability through every available channel to meet the nation's energy requirements.

Regarding diplomatic and economic engagement with the United States, the minister remained cautious, noting that the government is observing the process and will see how developments unfold in that area.

Furthermore, the minister addressed the trajectory of the private sector within the energy landscape.

He acknowledged the road or path taken by private enterprises, suggesting a multifaceted strategy that coordinates state-led nuclear projects with the continued participation of the private sector to resolve the ongoing energy challenges.