Nuclear power plants. On April 28, nuclear fuel loading commenced at Unit 1 of the Rooppur NPP. This marks the first step toward achieving initial criticality for the power unit. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Bangladesh Minister of Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam gave symbolic permission for the nuclear fuel loading. A total of 163 fuel assemblies will be loaded into the reactor core. The reactor will then be brought to first criticality, after which the gradual power ascension will begin. At the next stage, known as “First Electricity,” the generated electricity will be fed into the national power grid of Bangladesh. “This project is another important step for Rosatom in developing global nuclear energy and strengthening friendly relations with our international partners. We are glad to participate, together with our Bangladeshi friends, in the construction of an advanced and reliable nuclear power plant, and we see further prospects for our cooperation,” Alexey Likhachev said.

Cooperation. Rosatom and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) discussed the regulation of the construction and operation of floating nuclear power plants at a joint seminar. Particular interest was sparked by the presentation of Rosatom’s practical experience in building and operating floating nuclear power unit (FNPP), including licensing aspects in Russia and engagement with international organizations. “Floating nuclear power units represent a unique offering by Rosatom that meets Indonesia’s needs. FNPP solve the issue of stable and safe power supply to remote territories and islands, and the Russian nuclear industry can offer these solutions right now, in line with Indonesia’s plans to develop small-scale nuclear power by 2034,” said Anna Belokoneva, Head of Rosatom’s country office in Indonesia. 

Construction sites. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev made a working visit to the Akkuyu NPP host region in Türkiye. During the site tour, he inspected the progress of work at the plant’s first power unit. Following this, the Rosatom chief held a working meeting on the Akkuyu NPP construction with the management of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC and the project’s main contractors. “People — our employees, Russian and Turkish nationals — are, of course, the key asset of any project. Preparations are currently underway for residents to move into the nuclear host town designed for 8,000 people. It incorporates the best housing practices, as well as extensive municipal and social infrastructure, including kindergartens, schools, and public spaces,” Alexey Likhachev emphasized. Meanwhile, the installation of the passive heat removal system (PHRS) was completed at Akkuyu Unit 1, and key components of the primary coolant circuit for all four power units were manufactured at Rosatom’s production facilities. This will be the final shipment of major equipment manufactured in Russia for the plant’s nuclear steam supply systems.