CHATTOGRAM, Oct 31: Chattogram region is regularly facing a load shedding from 50 to 150 MW.
According to Power Development Board (PDB), the daily demand of power in Chattogram varies from 1,400 MW to 1,600 MW.
But currently, Chattogram is witnessing a load shedding of 150 MW daily.
Meanwhile a total of 29 power plants with the installed capacity of generation at 4,400 MW in Chattogram Zone are now generating nearly 2,000 MW, according to PDB sources. Of them three gas fired power plants with installed capacity of 570 MW have remained suspended due to shortage of gas.
The two units of Chattogram Thermal power plant at Raojan with the installed capacity of 420 MW remained suspended for a long time for both shortage of gas and mechanical problems.
Five hydro power units at Kaptai with the installed capacity of 230 MW have been generating only 150 MW, PDB sources said.
Of the total of 29 units, 11 units have been shut down while other 10 units are generating nominal electricity.
Besides, two units of Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project with the generation capacity of 1,200 MW set up at a cost of Tk 51,854.88 crore are undergoing maintenance. Those plants were shut for maintenance on October 28. Those units are expected to go into operation by the end of this month, said Acting Managing Director of the Plant Engr Nazmul Huq.
As a result, 1,200 MW of power shortage plagues the Chattogram region.
The Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Ltd (CPGCBL) has implemented two units Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project. CPGCBL, a state-owned enterprise of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, developed the project at a cost of Tk 51,854.88 crore. The generation capacity of each unit is 600 MW totalling to 1,200 MW by two units. But the country is now reeling from shortage of electricity leading to load shedding frequently.
The 1,200 MW power project, costing Tk 51,854 crore, was constructed on 1,414 acres of land in Matarbari and Dhalghata Unions of Cox's Bazar District. One 600 MW unit began production in July 2023 while another in December the same year.
