Photo: Collected
The country has grappled with an unbearable load shedding crisis at this time of the year as numerous mega power plants were forced to temporarily shut down due to a shortage in coal supply.
However, a glimmer of hope has emerged with the arrival of ships carrying coal at the Chattogram and Mongla ports, offering prospects of reigniting electricity generation and alleviating the burden of load shedding across the nation.
Last Wednesday, 'Basundhara Impress,' safely anchored at the Mongla port, carrying a cargo of 30,000 metric tonnes of coal destined for the Rampal power plant. Similarly, another ship arrived at the Chattogram port last month, delivering approximately 60,000 metric tonnes of coal to fuel the Matarbari power plant. Adding to this positive development, two more vessels are scheduled to dock at the Chattogram port this week, carrying a staggering 1,020,000 metric tonnes of coal.
Recognizing the vital link between electricity availability and industrial production, the Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) expressed optimism. "The industrial sector's production is intricately connected to the availability of electricity. The shutdown of several power plants due to coal shortages caused disruptions in factory operations. Now, with the resumption of coal imports, we expect power generation to return to normal," stated the BGMEA official.
The President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Muhammad Ali Khokon, highlighted the adverse impact of reduced power generation on factory operations. "Due to the decline in power supply, our factories were forced to suspend operations for several days, resulting in significant losses," Khokon lamented.
The coal shortage forced the Rampal power plant to halt production on the night of April 23. The arrival of fresh coal supply promises to reinvigorate power generation at the plant, which previously contributed a steady output of 560 MW to 570 MW of electricity.
GP Shipping Lines Ltd., responsible for transporting coal to the Matarbari power plant, is expected to arrive at the Matarbari port on May 24, as confirmed by an energy division official.
Further relief is anticipated with the impending arrival of two additional coal-laden ships in the coming month. If these vessels arrive as scheduled, the coal crisis is expected to significantly ease. Going forward, two ships carrying coal for the power plant are set to arrive at the Chattogram port each month. The coal will be unloaded at the Matarbari Jetty, ensuring a storage capacity of at least 30 shiploads of coal in Matarbari, the official added.
It may be mentioned that with the coal reserve Payra Power plant will run for next eight days and if coal is not arranged before that than the power plant will have to be shut down.
TDM/SD
