Power Generation Suspended at Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant

Electricity generation at the Barapukuria Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, has come to a complete halt following a series of mechanical failures, intensifying concerns over power supply disruptions in the national grid. The shutdown, which began on Sunday, 18 January, has resulted in the suspension of all electricity transmission from the plant, contributing to intermittent power outages in several regions.

The Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant has a total installed capacity of 525 megawatts (MW) and comprises three separate units. However, none of the units is currently operational due to technical complications of varying severity.

The most recent disruption occurred when the first unit, with a capacity of 125 MW, was forced to shut down after a major boiler malfunction. According to plant authorities, the entire boiler tube ruptured, rendering the unit unsafe for operation. Although this unit had been restarted on 14 January after a 15-day shutdown, it remained functional for only four days before being taken offline once again.

Meanwhile, the third unit, which is the largest with a capacity of 275 MW, has remained out of operation since 1 November last year due to persistent mechanical faults. Repair work on this unit is currently underway under the supervision of the Chinese contractor Harbin International, which was responsible for its installation and maintenance.

The second unit, also rated at 125 MW, has been out of production for an extended period, having ceased operations in November 2020. As a result, the plant has been operating at severely reduced capacity for several years, culminating in the present full shutdown.

Status of Units at Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant

Speaking on the matter, Md Abu Bakkar Siddique, Chief Engineer of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant, stated that repair work on the first unit cannot commence until the boiler cools down from temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. He added that it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive timeline for the resumption of power generation, warning that repairs may take a considerable amount of time due to the age of the unit.

The first unit, he noted, is nearly 20 years old and requires major overhauls approximately every five years. Its ageing infrastructure has increasingly contributed to frequent breakdowns and operational challenges.

The chief engineer further explained that the plant relies entirely on coal supplied by the Barapukuria Coal Mine, operated by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Regarding the third unit, he expressed cautious optimism, stating that once the necessary spare parts arrive from China, repairs could be completed and the unit brought back online.

“If all goes according to plan,” he said, “there is a possibility that the third unit may resume electricity generation by March.”

Until then, energy experts warn that continued reliance on ageing infrastructure and delayed maintenance could pose ongoing risks to Bangladesh’s power stability, particularly during periods of high demand.