The State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, announced on Saturday that due to a persisting coal shortage, the Payra Thermal Power Plant, generating 1,700 megawatts of electricity, will be shut down after Monday. Hamid expressed regret for the increased load shedding, acknowledging the mounting sufferings of the people.
Speaking to reporters at the inauguration of a renewable energy research laboratory and training center in Savar, Hamid explained that the first unit of the coal-fired Payra Thermal Power Station, located in Patuakhali district, has already been closed. The second unit will also be shut down due to the coal shortage after June 5. Additionally, the delayed opening of letters of credit (LCs) for coal imports will require a minimum of 20 to 25 days, further exacerbating the situation.
The closure of several power plants has contributed to the increased load shedding, causing significant disruptions in the country’s power supply. The Payra power plant, a joint venture between China and Bangladesh, commenced commercial operation in 2020, with loans from the China National Machinery Import and Export Company (CMC) to purchase coal from Indonesia. However, the coal supply was disrupted when CMC failed to settle outstanding bills amounting to $390 million for coal supply until April.
The closure of the Payra Thermal Power Plant highlights the challenges faced by the energy sector in Bangladesh, particularly regarding coal supply and its impact on power generation. The government will need to address these issues promptly to alleviate the burden on the people and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply in the country.
