The first unit of the Barapukuria coal-fired thermal power plant has returned to production after being closed for two days. The power supply to the national grid has started by testing the 125 MW capacity unit from Friday night.
Officials concerned at the centre said that initially, between 55 and 60 MW of electricity was being added to the grid. Production will be increased gradually to return to full capacity. About 700 metric tons of coal will be required daily to keep the unit operational.
Recovering after technical problems
On April 22nd, the first unit had technical complications and stopped production. As a result, there was a fear of increasing pressure on the power supply in different districts of the northern region.
After two days of repairs and testing, the situation has become somewhat more comfortable as the unit resumes.
Hope for load shedding reduction
With the introduction of the first unit, the power supply situation may improve in several districts of the northern region, including Parbatipur. The production is expected to be partially relieved, especially between the current demand and supply gap.
According to power sector analysts, although the production capacity is limited, the addition of an additional 55-60 MW to the grid can help reduce the pressure in peak hours.
The second unit is still closed
The second 125 MW unit of the Barapukuria centre has been closed for a long time. As a result, the center is not fully capacity. At present, the re-operation of the first unit is seen as an immediate relief, but returning to full production is a major challenge in the long run.
The energy supply dependence remains
The center is largely dependent on the supply of coal mines. As a result, the quality of coal, supply continuity and mechanical reliability have become important in keeping production sustainable.
It’s a stable production
According to the concerned, the main goal is to keep the unit stablely after the launch of the experiment. If production is continuous, then the power situation in the north can have a rapid positive impact.
Now it remains to be seen how fast the first unit moves towards full capacity and the resumption of the closed second unit.