Is Rampal really supplying 1,321 MW to the grid?
Collected Photo
According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB), the maximum power generation capacity of the Rampal Thermal Power Plant is 1,234 megawatts. However, reports were published on Saturday afternoon that the plant was supplying 1,321 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. This has raised questions about how 87 megawatts more than the stated capacity could be generated and supplied.
An investigation found that the PDB verifies the installed and maximum power generation capacity of various power plants through scheduled tests. These tests are conducted after a plant begins operation and at different stages afterward. In these tests, the installed capacity of the Rampal power plant was recorded at 1,234 megawatts and its generation capacity was also shown to be nearly the same.
On Friday, Rampal generated a maximum of 1,080 megawatts of electricity. On Saturday, maximum generation of 1,150 megawatts had been projected. However, it was claimed that the plant generated 1,321 megawatts in the afternoon and was supplying the electricity to the national grid.
When asked about the matter, Anwarul Azim, general manager and chief human resources officer of the Rampal Thermal Power Plant, told Agamir Somoy that the total power generation capacity of the plant’s two units is 1,320 megawatts.
He said that around 4:30 pm, the first unit generated 656 megawatts and the second unit generated 665 megawatts. He claimed that the combined output of the two units was the plant’s highest power generation.
When informed that according to PDB figures the plant’s maximum generation capacity is 1,234 megawatts, Anwarul Azim said the capacity had increased even though it was found to be lower during previous tests. He said a new test would prove this.
He said, “After temporarily stopping power generation due to a mechanical fault, both units of the plant are now generating electricity continuously. The generated electricity is being supplied to the national grid according to demand.”
However, not all electricity generated by a power plant is supplied to the national grid. Electricity required for the plant’s own operations is deducted before the remaining power is supplied to the grid.
Anwarul Azim also acknowledged this and said the Rampal power plant uses about 71 megawatts of electricity for its own operations. After deducting this amount, the plant has the capacity to supply a maximum of around 1,250 megawatts to the national grid. Therefore, questions remain over the claim that 1,321 megawatts was supplied to the grid. The actual increase in the plant’s capacity will become clear if it is tested again.
The Rampal Thermal Power Plant was built under equal partnership between Bangladesh and India. The plant is operated by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL), which was formed under an agreement between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
