Due to fuel shortages and maintenance issues, a significant portion of the country’s coal-based power plant capacity remains unutilized. Simultaneously, the Summit, Unique, and Reliance gas-based power plants in Narayanganj are currently idle due to a gas shortage. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) intends to keep these high-efficiency, cost-effective plants operational. BPDB has sent a letter to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on this matter, requesting a guaranteed supply of necessary fuels, such as gas or LNG.

The BPDB letter states that the thermal efficiency of the power plants in Narayanganj’s Meghnaghat is exceptionally high. Keeping these plants operational at full capacity is critical for the power system. Additionally, running these plants would yield financial savings for the government in power generation.

The combined capacity of the three gas-based power plants in Meghnaghat is 1,885 MW. Summit’s 583 MW and Unique Group’s 584 MW plants are in commercial production. However, due to the gas shortage, they cannot operate at full capacity, and at times are limited to half capacity. Currently, both plants are shut down. Reliance’s 718 MW plant is also expected to begin operation once gas is available, according to authorities.

The Power Division attributes the inability to supply fuel to these three large gas-based power plants in Narayanganj to the limited capacity of the existing pipeline infrastructure. Top officials in the Energy Division also acknowledged the ongoing gas shortage.

When asked, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Energy Adviser for the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, told Bonik Barta, “Even if there is sufficient gas for the three large gas-based power plants, it cannot be supplied because the existing pipeline lacks adequate capacity. Nevertheless, if the Power Division receives a request to enhance gas supply in that area, it will be considered.”

To keep gas-based power plants running smoothly across the country, around 1,250 MMCF of gas is required daily. Currently, however, only 900-930 MMCF is being supplied. Due to this shortfall, the plants are not receiving the required amount of gas. Moreover, the Energy Division has reported that a substantial amount remains unpaid by BPDB, impacting gas supply further.

An official from the Energy Division, requesting anonymity, informed Bonik Barta, “Summit and Unique’s plants in Narayanganj are receiving gas, but it is insufficient to meet their demand. The current gas shortage stands at about 25 percent of the required amount for power generation. Additionally, BPDB owes approximately BDT 190 billion for gas supply, making it challenging to increase gas distribution.”

However, the official refrained from commenting on whether gas could be supplied to Reliance’s plant.

Significant coal-based power generation capacity has been developed in the country, yet many of these plants remain non-operational due to insufficient funds for fuel imports. Additionally, several units of large power plants are offline for maintenance.

According to sources in the Power Division, the 1,200 MW power plant in Matarbari is currently shut down due to coal shortages. The second unit (660 MW) of the 1,320 MW power plant in Payra is also under maintenance and will remain shut for two months. Similarly, one unit of the 1,320 MW power plant in Rampal, Bagerhat, and the 307 MW coal-based power plant in Barisal are offline. In Chattogram, one unit of the 1,320 MW power plant by SS Power in Banshkhali is also currently shut down. Additionally, one unit of the Adani power plant importing electricity from India is non-operational. Due to this shortfall in production, the highest load-shedding reached 670 MW on November 12.

Regarding the reopening of coal-based power plants, Power Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said, “Coal import processes for the Matarbari thermal power plant are underway. The coal is expected to arrive in the country this month. The Payra thermal power plant is undergoing maintenance, a timely decision given the upcoming winter season when power demand typically decreases.”