Construction sites. Fresh nuclear fuel loading has been completed at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. This marks one of the key stages in preparing the unit for first electricity. A total of 163 fuel assemblies were sequentially loaded into the reactor core. The fuel was manufactured in Russia at one of the facilities of Rosatom’s Fuel Division. “The next stage is the installation of the reactor vessel head and the connection of all necessary in-core monitoring systems,” said Alexey Deriy, Atomstroyexport JSC Vice President for Projects in Bangladesh. “Following this, we will conduct hundreds of tests to confirm the reliable and safe operation of all plant systems.” In the near future, the reactor will be brought to first criticality, after which a gradual power ascension will begin. These operations precede the first electricity phase and the pilot operation of Rooppur Unit 1.

Technologies. Rosatom presented its technological solutions for Uzbekistan at the Power Uzbekistan 2026 international exhibition in Tashkent. The event brought together more than 14,500 energy sector representatives from 12 countries. Rosatom’s booth featured a model of an integrated nuclear power plant with RITM-200N and VVER-1000 reactors. Visitors to the exhibition were also introduced to the nuclear corporation’s electromobility solutions, including a lithium-ion cell, a lithium-ion battery module, and a multi-purpose battery. Rosatom’s projects cover almost the entire end-to-end supply chain in this sector, from extracting raw materials and manufacturing key components to building charging infrastructure and recycling used batteries. In late 2025, Rosatom pilot-launched Russia’s first lithium-ion energy storage gigafactory in the Kaliningrad Region, and a second gigafactory is being prepared for launch in Moscow.

Cooperation. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev held a working meeting with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto. The parties discussed promising areas of Russian-Indonesian cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the development of nuclear generation projects, nuclear infrastructure, personnel training, and non-energy applications of nuclear technologies. “Indonesia has set ambitious goals for the development of nuclear energy, which is why we are discussing more than just technologies — it is about establishing a long-term partnership focused on developing an industry that is new to the country, training national personnel, fostering new competencies, and strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty,” Alexey Likhachev emphasized. Rosatom is ready to offer Indonesia a comprehensive approach to developing its national nuclear program, including large-scale nuclear power solutions, as well as small modular reactor (SMR) and floating power unit (FPU) projects, he also noted.

Construction sites. Türkiye’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) Board has granted Akkuyu Nuclear JSC a pre-commissioning permit for the second unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The document formalizes the interaction procedures with the NDK during the upcoming pre-commissioning phase: the Turkish nuclear watchdog will monitor and approve all operations. The application documents for the permit, totaling more than 22,000 pages, were submitted in May 2025. “Obtaining the pre-commissioning permit confirms compliance with the regulator’s requirements for supporting documents and allows us to begin preparations for pre-commissioning operations at the second power unit. Engineers will proceed with the sequential testing and adjustment of the systems and equipment while finalizing construction work,” said Sergey Butskikh, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC.

Equipment. Rosatom has supplied the instrumentation and control (I&C) system for Unit 1 of the Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh. The shipment included 22 I&C subsystems and the automated radiation monitoring system (ARMS). They monitor equipment operation, power output to the grid, and plant processes at the power unit both during the commissioning phase and throughout subsequent operation. “To date, all pieces of the I&C equipment for Rooppur Unit 1 have been delivered and adjusted at the construction site. And we have implemented a number of improvements at the plant. For instance, the automated radiation monitoring system is for the first time ever arranged in a compact skid-mounted design,” explained Gleb Murashov, Managing Director for I&C at Rosatom Automated Control Systems (RASU).

Education. South Africa hosted the first national stage of the Global HackAtom international engineering competition in association with Rosatom. Seven teams participated in the event. For two days, students interested in nuclear energy innovations, engineering, and technologies worked on case studies and presented their solutions. The ZuluTech Collective team was declared the winner; they will represent South Africa at the Global HackAtom international final. “To build a stronger country, we must equip the youth with the necessary skills, support innovation, and demand accountability and a commitment to high standards from everyone,” said Philani Gabriel Marapira, captain of the winning team.

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.