Ecnec approves two power projects worth Tk4,671cr

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) has approved two projects worth Tk4,671 crore aimed at improving the country's power system.

The projects are the Power Transmission Strengthening and Integration of Renewable Energy Project, with an estimated cost of Tk4,131.42 crore, and the Grid Power Evacuation System Development for West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd project, costing Tk539.71 crore.

The approval came at an Ecnec meeting held today (24 May) at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Including these two, the meeting approved a total of 10 projects involving an estimated cost of Tk12,036 crore.

Among the approved projects is a Tk185 crore initiative aimed at developing women's skills and promoting entrepreneurship through cooperatives. Another Tk451 crore project was approved for the construction of academic buildings at eight polytechnic institutes under the Directorate of Technical Education.

Two power projects target renewables, distribution

The government has undertaken the Power Transmission Strengthening and Integration of Renewable Energy project to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

According to the project proposal, a study by the US-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) identified southern Chattogram – particularly areas like Pekua, Chakaria, Matarbari, Maheshkhali, and Teknaf in Cox's Bazar – as highly potential zones for variable renewable energy (VRE)-based power generation.

To evacuate power from planned renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 1,790 megawatts in these areas – both public and private – a reliable transmission infrastructure is essential.

To support both local consumption and integration with the national grid, the proposal highlights the urgent need to construct a 400/230/132 kV substation in Pekua, Cox's Bazar.

The project also includes the construction of two 230/132/33 kV substations and seven 132/33 kV substations.

The project further involves building 148 kilometres of new transmission lines and upgrading 75 kilometres of existing low-capacity conductors with high-capacity alternatives to ensure adequate power flow to the new substations.

According to the Planning Commission, the project will be financed by a Tk2,440 crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with Tk1,056 crore from the government and Tk635.32 crore from the implementing agency, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh PLC.

The project is targeted for completion within the next five years.

On the other hand, the Grid Power Evacuation System Development for West Zone Power Distribution Company project aims to improve the power distribution network in the southwestern districts of Faridpur, Gopalganj, Bagerhat, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, Satkhira, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, and Bhola, according to the Planning Commission.

Once implemented, the project will enable power evacuation from 11 Power Grid Bangladesh substations. It will supply electricity to West Zone Power Distribution Company and rural electricity substations through shorter 33 kV source lines, which is expected to reduce system loss, power outages due to faults, and maintenance-related disruptions.

The project will be financed with Tk358.78 crore from the government and Tk180.93 crore from West Zone Power Distribution Company's own funds. It is scheduled for completion by June 2028.