Patuakhali 1,320MW thermal power plant begins trial operation

Business Report :

The 1,320-megawatt thermal power plant in Patuakhali has commenced electricity generation on a trial basis, marking a significant step toward addressing Bangladesh’s power shortages. The supervising engineer of the plant, Ashraf Uddin, confirmed this development on Sunday afternoon.
Electricity generation from the plant’s first unit, which has a capacity of 660 megawatts, began at approximately 12:30 am. Currently, 110 megawatts of electricity produced by the plant are being supplied to the national grid. This is expected to help alleviate the power shortfalls that have been challenging the country’s energy sector.
Officials and employees of the power plant expressed their excitement about this milestone, emphasizing that it was achieved after overcoming various logistical and operational hurdles. Engineer Ashraf Uddin mentioned, “Gradually, the full 660 megawatts from the first unit will be integrated into the national grid. Meanwhile, work is advancing rapidly to begin production from the second unit, which also has a capacity of 660 megawatts, by March.”
The power plant, which was constructed to help meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country, began its development on August 31, 2019. It represents a joint investment initiative between China’s state-owned Norinco International Power Company Limited and Bangladesh’s state-owned Rural Power Company Limited (RPCL).
Located on 915 acres of land in Londa village, Dhankhali union, Patuakhali, the project was completed at a construction cost of Tk27,000 crore. Once fully operational, it is anticipated to significantly contribute to mitigating the persistent power shortages faced by Bangladesh, especially during peak demand seasons.