Energy crisis 'beyond tolerable level' as country faces 3,000MW power deficit: Power Division

Bangladesh's energy crisis has reached a "beyond tolerable level", as the country struggles to meet rising electricity demand amid supply disruptions, according to the Power Division.

The situation has worsened this summer due to increased demand and constraints in energy supply, said Umme Rehana, Joint Secretary (Planning-1) of the Power Division, at a press conference today (23 April).

"We usually face load-shedding crises in summer, but this year the load-shedding crisis is slightly higher because of the Middle East war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz," she said.

Infographics: TBS

"Today [Thursday] the projected power demand is almost 17,000MW, but due to the energy crisis, we can generate around 14,000MW of electricity, and the generation deficit is almost 3,000MW," she said.

Rehana also said due to rising power consumption, higher temperatures, and the constant use of air-conditioners and other electronic equipment, total power demand has increased significantly.

"But the Middle East war has pushed us into a severe energy crisis, and it has reached a beyond tolerable level," she added.

Providing recent data, Rehana said electricity demand on Wednesday stood at 15,767MW, while generation was limited to 13,681MW. "We have massive generation capacity, but because of a shortage of gas and other energy, we cannot produce power as per demand," she added.

She said gas-fired power plants, which account for 43% of total generation capacity (12,154MW), are operating far below capacity due to inadequate gas supply. "To run these plants at full capacity, about 2,000mmcfd of gas is required, but supply remains between 850 and 900mmcfd."

On Wednesday, only 5,270MW of electricity was generated from gas-based plants, she mentioned.

The official also pointed to disruptions in coal-based power generation. Technical issues at the Adani power plant and reduced output from the 1,320MW SS Power plant have contributed to the shortfall. In addition, one unit of the 1,320MW RNPL plant remains offline due to coal shortages.

Rehana said the situation is expected to improve gradually. The Adani issue may be resolved by 26 April, while the SS Power plant is likely to restore full capacity by 28 April.

Combined, these plants could add around 1,350MW to the grid by the end of April, she added.

She also said coal-fired plants currently operating below capacity are expected to ramp up production, potentially adding another 1,982MW by the first week of May, which could ease the load-shedding.

Dhaka to face 110MW load-shedding on trial basis

Speaking in parliament today, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit said the government will implement 110MW of load-shedding in Dhaka on a trial basis to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for irrigation in rural areas.

The state minister also highlighted a significant gas shortfall. "Against a daily demand of 3,800mmcfd, supply currently stands at 2,636mmcfd, leaving a deficit of 1,164mmcfd."

Amit said that despite sufficient funds, the lack of necessary infrastructure is preventing a rapid increase in gas imports. However, he assured that infrastructure development has been included in the government's 180-day priority plan.

He further said that one imported power plant and one coal-based plant are currently offline for maintenance, contributing to supply disruption. "Once they return to full operation within the next few days, the load-shedding situation is expected to ease within a week."

Gas to Ashuganj plant to resume 1 May

Speaking in parliament, Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood announced that gas supply to Ashuganj fertiliser factory will resume from 1 May, prioritising agricultural needs.

"Although power generation may be affected, we have decided to supply gas to the fertiliser factory from 1 May, considering the importance of agriculture," he said during a decision motion in Parliament.

The motion was brought by independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), who demanded household gas connections for every home in her constituency. Ten other MPs supported the motion, urging inclusion of their respective upazilas.

Raising the motion, Rumeen Farhana highlighted the plight of residents in Brahmanbaria, saying gas from the district is supplied across the country, while locals are deprived of gas facilities. She demanded that gas extracted in Brahmanbaria should first meet local demand before being supplied elsewhere.

In response, the energy minister said gas pressure has dropped due to supply shortages, while efforts are ongoing to sustain industrial production. He blamed the previous "fascist" government for failing to conduct adequate gas exploration and making the sector import-dependent.

Power generation at Barapukuria plant fully halted

Electricity generation at the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant in Dinajpur has come to a complete halt from Wednesday night after a mechanical fault shut down its last operational unit, UNB reports.

According to plant sources, the 125MW Unit-2, previously the only running unit among the three, went out of operation, leaving the entire plant non-functional.

Chief Engineer of the power plant Abu Bakkar Siddique said the fault occurred in the coal grinding system used before combustion, when stones mixed with coal caused damage to the machine.

The unit was shut down at 8:02pm following the technical failure. He added that work is ongoing to bring the 275MW Unit-3 into operation by May. Meanwhile, another 125MW unit that has remained shut for a long time is planned to be restored through overhauling.