Dhaka, Oct. 29 -- Bangladesh has cleared another hurdle towards generating power at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, authorising its first unit to begin power startup after physical-startup tests.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) approved "Stage C" activities, allowing the reactor's power to rise and preparations for trial supply to the national grid to advance.

Company Managing Director Zahidul Hasan said Thursday that BAERA Chairman M Mahmudul Hasan had granted permission.

Officials expect trial supply to begin next month if testing and commissioning proceed as planned.

The approval followed successful technical tests, including the first unit's B-2 physics tests. Reports were submitted to BAERA before it au...