On October 19, 2022, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev arrived in Bangladesh with a working visit scheduled for the completion of installation of a reactor vessel at Rooppur NPP Unit 2.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Bangladesh Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina Wazed together have launched the final stage of the installation of the reactor vessel at the construction site in Ishwardi district. During the installation, the reactor was moved via the transportation lock inside the reactor containment. Then the 334-ton structure was installed into design position with a polar crane.
“A year ago, we have witnessed the installation reactor vessel at Unit 1 and today, the same operation has been completed at the second reactor. We see the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Bangladesh proceeding rapidly, despite the obstacles caused by the pandemic. I applaud well-coordinated work performed by the entire team of builders. I express my sincere gratitude to the authorities of the Republic of Bangladesh for their unfailing support of the project. In our joint daily effort, we bring closer the launch of the nuclear power plant, which the people of Bangladesh have been looking forward to,” said the Rosatom Director General.
In turn, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed thanked the Russian government and the people of Russia for the successful cooperation in the implementation of the Rooppur NPP project.
"The plant's two units based on generation III+ VVER reactors will generate a total of 2,400 MW of electricity, 1,200 MW from each unit, which will play a significant role in meeting the ever-growing electricity demand of our country. Acquiring knowledge in the most modern technology like nuclear will facilitate special skills and competencies among the new generations. Since it does not emit any CO2, nuclear energy is environmentally friendly and will help combat the adverse effects of climate change,” the prime minister said.
After the successful completion of the reactor vessel installation, Alexey Likhachev took part in the ceremony dedicated to opening of the Training Center, which is designed for training of the NPP operating personnel and has no rival in its technological infrastructure. The people of Bangladesh will undergo training in specialized classes and production shops with the most modern equipment. Besides, the Russian party has developed all the necessary teaching & learning programs that will enable the Bangladeshi party to provide training for its personnel independently.
Also, as part of the visit, a meeting is planned between the Rosatom Director General and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, during which issues of strategic cooperation between the Rosatom and Bangladesh are to be discussed.