Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will announce 100 percent electrification across the country through the inauguration of 1,320 MW Payra Coal Power Plant on Mar 21.
"Our visionary leader Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will open Payra power plant and also declare cent percent electricity coverage in the country on March 21," State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told this at a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka.
Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) and Northwest Power Generation Company (NWPGCL) jointly organized the ‘Meet the Press’, local media reported.
The state minister said the present government has brought all chars and remote areas of the country under electricity access, adding "Bangladesh is going to launch such a coal power plant in the country with 100 pc pollution free super critical technology."
Nasrul said the government had set a target of 100 percent electrification across the country to mark the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and that the government is going to implement the promise on Mar 21.
He said the unprecedented success in the power sector has been achieved in the last thirteen years as a result of the visionary, courageous and timely decision taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The power generation capacity has increased more than 5 times; (4,942 MW in January 2009, 25,514 MW till February 2022) (including captive and renewable energy), 1160 MW electricity is being imported and 19,626 MW power is being added to the national grid, Nasrul added.
"Plans have been made to export surplus power during winter and off-peak hours. A total of 5,213 circuit kilometers of transmission lines have been constructed and a total of 3,61,000 kilometers of distribution lines have been constructed. We have provided 3.13 crore new customer connections," he said.
Per capita power generation has increased from 220 kWh to 560 kWh and distribution loses of electricity has been reduced by 5.85%.
The state minister said 48.77 lakh pre-paid (smart pre-paid) meters have been installed and uninterrupted power supply has been ensured for irrigation.
He said Bangladesh-China Power Company Ltd has successfully started commercial production of Unit-1 (622 MW) and Unit-2 (622 MW) of Payra 1,320 MW power plant.
"We have successfully installed over 63 lakh solar home systems. Digital process has been introduced through introduction of online-based software for e-tendering, e-filing and coordination meetings," Nasrul said.
He said that Payra 1320 MW power plant is the largest power plant in the country so far and Bangladesh is now the 13th country in the world to use ultra supercritical technology.
The state minister said the power sector has been playing an important role in sustainable development and economic growth.
"If the power sector plans are successfully implemented, Bangladesh will become a developed and prosperous country by 2041 with your cooperation by implementing the vision given by the Hon'ble Prime Minister," he added.
Power Secretary Md Habibur Rahman said Bangladesh is the country with 100% electricity in South Asia.
He said that electricity has been provided to Char Sonarampur, Ashuganj, Rangabali, Monpura, Sandwip, Hatia, Nijhum Island and Kutubdia through submarine cables.
The state minister said Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is losing Tk. 80 crore every day due to increase in fuel prices in the international market.
BPDB Chairman Mahabubur Rahman, Director General of Power Cell Engineer Mohammad Hossain, CEO of North West Power Generation Company Khorshedul Alam and others were present at the function. Chairman of FERB Shamim Jahangir delivered welcome speech while Executive Director Rishan Nasrullah moderated the Meet the Press.
