Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation 'Rosatom' has assured Bangladesh of connecting the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) to the national grid on an experimental basis within the shortest possible time.

The assurance came during a high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Minister of Science and Technology Fakir Mahboob Anam and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Moscow on Friday.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on the overall progress of Bangladesh's maiden nuclear power project and the power generation timeline for its first unit, which features a VVER-1200 reactor.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said experimental grid synchronization for Unit 1 will be ensured swiftly. He emphasized that the project will play a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh's power security while providing environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy.

Fakir Mahboob Anam said the 2,400-megawatt total capacity nuclear power plant will meet approximately 11 percent of Bangladesh's total electricity demand upon full operation.

Likhachev also informed that commissioning and primary start-up activities for the plant's second unit will commence next year.

Furthermore, both leaders engaged in constructive discussions regarding the expansion of the nuclear energy sector and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation based on the success and experience of the Rooppur project.