Dhaka: State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit today conveyed optimism that the country's power and energy situation will see substantial improvement within the next two weeks. Around 88 percent of the gas supply system has been restored, with efforts ongoing to normalize the remaining 12 percent, he stated during a press conference at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Amit expressed his regret over the current energy challenges faced by citizens, acknowledging the shared burden of these difficulties. Despite repairing a damaged Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), the gas supply system has not yet reached full normalcy. Addressing the power situation, Amit revealed that two units of the Payra Power Plant are out for maintenance, while the Rampal Power Plant operates below full capacity.
The state minister highlighted that adverse weather in the Bay of Bengal has hindered the transportation of coal to power plants. Once weather conditions improve, coal supplies should become more accessible, allowing the Payra and Rampal plants to resume full-capacity operations. Amit emphasized that once these power plants and fuel supplies normalize, the power sector will see a positive impact, with significant improvements anticipated after September 15.
Furthermore, Amit announced a new initiative to establish a second unit of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), with a $1 billion investment from the Islamic Development Bank. The agreement for the project was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister today. This facility aims to triple the nation's crude oil refining capacity, refining around 4.5 million metric tonnes annually, and meeting over 50 percent of the country's total fuel demand, thus bolstering energy security. According to the Development Project Proposal (DPP), the ERL project is slated for operation by 2030.
Regarding gas supply, the minister noted that domestic production and imported LNG can currently provide 2,300 to 2,700 mmcf of gas. Allocating all available gas for power generation would disrupt supplies to industries and households. He also addressed technical faults affecting power plants, including the 616 MW unit at Payra and another at Matarbari, with steps being taken for swift restoration. Challenges faced by the Adani-operated power plant due to excessive rainfall have reduced the electricity supply from the intended 1,600 MW to around 900 MW during the day and 1,100 MW in the evening.