Gigantic work begins at Rooppur for security of environment

Pabna Correspondent: Gigantic work has commenced to install the “core catcher”, a key component of nuclear power plants, for one of the two units being built for Bangladesh at Rooppur.

The core catcher, a gigantic device for catching the molten core material, is being installed at the bottom of the reactor building.  It works as an important part in ensuring foolproof security of the nuclear power plants.

According to statement by Rosatom, the Russian state agency contracted to launch Bangladesh into the world of nuclear energy, the core catcher is a device for catching the molten core material, the active part of the reactor that contains nuclear fuel.

Rosatom also said that the core catcher is an important element in the passive safety system of the most modern nuclear reactors that are designed to incorporate foolproof security.

Architect Yeafesh Osman, Minister for Science and Technology, Alexander Khazin , Senior Vice-President for Overseas Projects, Atomstroyexport (ASE), the Rosatom subsidiary that implements overseas projects, Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, Project Director of Rooppur NPP and other senior officials attended the ceremony, held at the Rooppur NPP site on Saturday morning.

Alexander Khazin said, “This is a unique safety system of the NPP and for the first time such a large-size equipment of approximately 200 tonnes is being installed in the reactor building. According to the schedule, the installation will be completed within 6 months”.

“All works for construction of power unit No-1 are progressing according to the schedule. Currently about 5000 tonnes of cement are being used daily at the construction site, and about 4000 people are involved in construction activities,” he added.

The core catcher, one of the elements of the passive safety system was first installed at the Tianwan NPP in China, which was built according to Russian design.

The Rosatom said the VVER-1200 reactors of the Generation III+ power plants to be set up at Rooppur NPP will have a unique combination of active and passive safety systems that ensure maximum stability against external and internal factors.

Rooppur NPP with two VVER-1200 reactors and the total capacity of 2400 MW is being constructed under the Russian design, in accordance with a General Contract signed on 25 December 2015.

Atomstroyexport is implementing the project as the General Contractor.


risingbd/Pabna/Aug 19, 2018/Shahin Rahman/AI