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The impermeability and structural integrity test of the reactor compartmental containment for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, under construction in Ishwardi Upazila, Pabna, has been successfully completed. The test confirmed the containment’s compliance with the highest safety standards as per the project’s design. Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, announced this in a press release on Wednesday (June 25).
Rosatom, which is implementing the Rooppur project, stated that the containment is built using prestressed reinforced concrete with a robust steel lining. It is designed to prevent the release of radioactive materials outside the reactor compartment during emergencies and to withstand external impacts. During the test, a high-capacity compressor was used to increase internal pressure to verify the containment’s strength and leak-tightness, a critical step before nuclear fuel loading.
Dr. Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Grid Company (NPBCL), said that “hot media tests” will soon be conducted on the first unit. These tests will involve heating the coolant circuit to the designated temperature to produce steam and verifying other safety parameters.
Rosatom noted that some unexpected noises may occur during the tests, which are pre-planned and entirely safe. The public has been urged not to panic over these sounds.
Built with Russian technical and financial assistance, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility. The project comprises two units with a combined capacity of 2,400 megawatts. Each unit will be equipped with a Generation 3+ VVER-1200 reactor, meeting international safety standards. The first unit’s construction is nearing completion.
AI/MR
