Prime Minister visits Matarbari power plant

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the 1,200 MW Matarbari Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Based Power Plant, located in Matarbari under Maheshkhali Upazila in Cox's Bazar. He inspected the power plant, its surrounding facilities, and the proposed project areas on Sunday morning.

According to the Prime Minister's Press Wing, he arrived at the helipad of the Matarbari power plant by a helicopter at 10:45 AM. He then proceeded to the project's administrative building. From 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, he received a detailed briefing on the project's overall activities.

During the briefing, project officials informed the Prime Minister about the current status of the power plant, its production and operational activities, generation capacity, fuel supply and management, operational efficiency, maintenance and security systems, as well as related infrastructure. They also presented the project's future plans to him.

The Prime Minister was informed that the Matarbari power plant is being operated entirely by local engineers and manpower. Expressing satisfaction with this, he praised the skills and capabilities of the local engineers and staff. During the visit, the Prime Minister also planted a neem sapling at the project site.

The Matarbari power plant consists of two 600 MW units. This modern ultra-supercritical technology-based plant has a total generation capacity of 1,200 MW. The project includes port facilities for coal transport, power transmission lines, access roads, and other infrastructure alongside the power plant. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided loan assistance for the project's implementation.

After the briefing, at 12:15 PM, the Prime Minister went out to inspect various project facilities and the proposed project areas. At 12:29 PM, he arrived at the site of the proposed 70 MW solar power project. There, officials briefed him on the solar project's plans and its potential generation capacity.

Tarique Rahman was also visited the designated sites for the proposed LNG-based power plant, the petrochemical project, and the new refinery in the same area. Later, he inspected the LPG, LNG, and coal terminal-related infrastructure and other proposed project areas. He gathered detailed information from officials about the plans and future utilization of these projects and provided directives on various matters.

After that, the PM visited the coal jetty. From there, he observed the Matarbari deep-sea port, the LNG terminal, and various facilities of the power plant. He was also briefed on the port infrastructure for coal transport and unloading, as well as its integrated operations with the power plant.

In addition, the Prime Minister inspected the site designated for the proposed temporary LPG jetty and the future establishment of Units 3 and 4 of the coal power plant. Relevant officials presented the potential plans and infrastructural aspects of these projects to him.

The Prime Minister completed his inspection of various project facilities and proposed areas by 12:55 PM. During this time, he emphasized the importance of maximizing and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure to ensure the country's power and energy security, ensuring transparency and accountability in project management, conducting regular maintenance, and implementing long-term integrated energy planning.

The Prime Minister stated that alongside meeting the country's growing electricity demand, it is necessary to ensure diversification of energy sources. He stressed that economic viability, environmental impact, and the long-term interests of the people must be given the highest priority in power generation and the management of large infrastructure.

Tarique Rahman also underscored the importance of integrated development centered around Matarbari, encompassing power, energy, deep-sea port, and related industrial infrastructure. He noted that the planned and effective use of these infrastructures would play a vital role in the country's energy security, industrialization, and overall economic activities.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, the Prime Minister's Security Adviser Brigadier General (retd.) Shamsul Islam, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, and BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain Mridha, along with other relevant officials.

The Prime Minister left Matarbari by helicopter at 1:05 PM.