In a development that could be considered very positive for power-starved Bangladesh, where lack of power generation and supply has of late emerged as a challenge for the industries including the apparel and textile sector of the country, the 1,244 MW Payra power plant is all set to resume generation soon after a hiatus of almost 20 days as imported coal has already reached the plant site.
Media reports underlined this adding that the Bangladesh-China Power Company Ltd. (BCPCL) has provided an update on the country’s largest coal-fired power plant even if according to a senior official, one unit with a generation capacity of approximately 622 MW has become operational.
Furthermore, the second unit, also with a similar capacity, is expected to resume operation soon. This development is anticipated to improve the electricity supply situation in Bangladesh to some extent.
To facilitate coal import, the Government recently paid around US $ 100 million, allowing the BCPCL to open letters of credit for importing approximately 17 cargoes of coal.
The power plant had experienced a coal crisis and subsequent shutdown due to a shortage of US dollars, resulting in widespread power outages.
