Power and energy situation to improve within two weeks: State Minister for Power
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has expressed optimism that the country’s power and energy situation will see significant improvement within the next two weeks.
He stated that approximately 88 percent of the gas supply system has already been restored, and efforts are underway to quickly normalize the remaining 12 percent.
The State Minister made these remarks during a press conference held at the Secretariat on Thursday (September 3).
Expressing regret for the public’s suffering caused by the current power and energy situation, Anindya Islam Amit said, “We empathize with the hardships people are facing in this situation.” Significant improvement in the situation is expected within the next two weeks.
He stated that gas supply operations have not yet fully normalized, even after the repair of a damaged FSRU.
So far, approximately 88 percent of the supply system has been restored, and efforts are underway to quickly normalize the remaining 12 percent.
Regarding the power situation, the State Minister stated that two units of the Payra Power Plant are currently shut down for maintenance, while one unit of the Rampal Power Plant is also not operating at full capacity.
Noting that rough conditions in the Bay of Bengal are preventing the transport of coal-laden lighterage vessels to the power plants, he said that coal supplies would become easier once the weather normalizes. At that point, both the Payra and Rampal power plants will be able to resume production at full capacity.
He stated that the power sector would see a positive impact once the Payra and Rampal power plants begin operating at full capacity and fuel supply systems normalize. This will alleviate electricity-related hardships for both industrial and household consumers.
The State Minister mentioned that Adani’s power plant has also faced some issues due to excessive rainfall. However, the government expects a significant improvement in the power and energy situation after September 15.
At the press conference, Anindya Islam Amit also announced the initiative to set up a second unit at Eastern Refinery. He stated that steps have been taken to implement the project with $1 billion in funding from the Islamic Development Bank. An agreement regarding this matter is scheduled to be signed on Thursday afternoon in the presence of the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He stated that the country’s crude oil refining capacity would triple once the project is implemented, enabling the refining of approximately 4.5 million metric tons of crude oil annually. This initiative will meet over 50 percent of the country’s total fuel demand and play a vital role in ensuring energy security.
According to the Development Project Proforma (DPP), the project is scheduled to become operational in 2030; however, the State Minister mentioned that efforts would be made to complete the work ahead of schedule.
