PM opens 1,320MW Payra power plant

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated the 1,320 MW Payra Thermal Power Plant, the largest of its kind.

She opened the coal-fired power plant with eco-friendly Ultra-Supercritical Technology by unveiling its nameplate at a function Patuakhali on Monday morning.

Sheikh Hasina, in person, is visiting the district for the first time to open the power plant since Bangladesh likewise the world has been rattled with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Payra power plant was built on 1000 acres of land at a cost of 2.48 billion US dollar beside the Ramnabad River at Kalapara Upazila of the southern Patuakhali district and Bangladesh has become 13th country among the world in using the ultra-supercritical technology in producing power.

The first 660 MW unit of the power plant went into commercial operation in May, 2020, utilising the 400 kv Payra-Gopalganj Power Transmission while the second one started operation in December 2021.

The plant was developed by Bangladesh China Power Company (BCPCL), a 50:50 joint venture between the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) and Bangladesh's state-owned North-West Power Generation Company Ltd (NWPGCL).

Bangladesh-China Power Company (Pvt.) Limited and Consortium of NEPC & CECC signed the EPC contract on 29 March, 2016 to implement the Payra 1320 MW Thermal Power Plant Project in the fastest possible time.

The power generation capacity has rocketed to 25,514 MW in February 2022 from 4,942 MW in January, 2009. Of them, 1160 MW electricity is being imported and 19,626 MW is being locally produced.

Earlier, a guard of honour was given to the premier on her arrival at the helipad adjoining the Payra Thermal Power Plant.

Later, 200 fishermen boats decorated with various colours welcomed Sheikh Hasina by waving flags and playing songs as soon as the prime minister arrived at the coal jetty.

A festive mood has been prevailing in the areas from the tourism spot Kuakata to the Payra power plant and their neighborhoods which get facelift with various eye-catching things.

Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel Haque, PM’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, among others, were present at the inaugural function.