Power plant execution lacks urgency

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FHM Humayan Kabir
The country's power generation is unlikely keep pace with the growing demand as the implementation of new projects fails to get momentum.
Among the 17 public sector generation projects planned for implementation by the government, only two power stations with a combined capacity to produce 330MW electricity are now under construction, the power sector insiders informed the FE.
According to the sources, installation works of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded 240MW peaking plant at Siddhirganj and government-funded 90MW unit at Fenchuganj commenced during the last government's tenure. Only other project which is expected to be taken up for implementation shortly is the 150 MW Sikolbaha power plant.
About the 150MW Chandpur plant to be implemented with government's own resources, a senior power division official requesting anonymity told the FE: "We selected a Chinese contractor to install the plant in mid-June 2006, but the government did not award the work order. Later, in the middle part of 2007 when the government asked the company to start the construction work, it refused to do so due to escalation of the project cost".
Meanwhile, the process of setting up of the proposed two 150MW power plants, one each at Khulna and Sirajganj, is progressing slowly. Although the Asian Development Bank (ADB) assured the government of funding the projects five months ago and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved those three months ago. The authority concerned is yet to float tenders for installing the plants.
"After completing the tender process, which usually takes nearly a year, production of electricity from these two projects will not be possible within stipulated 2010," a power development board (PDB) official said adding, "we have sent the draft tender documents to the power division more than a month ago but those are yet to be approved."
Besides, installation process of other power plants, including 150MW Sylhet power plant, which were approved by the ECNEC in 2001, no progress has been made so far in the implementation of 300MW plant at Siddhirganj, 360MW at Haripur, 210MW at Khulna, 150MW at Bhola, another 210MW (TPS Unit-II) at Siddhirganj, 100MW hydro-power (unit- VI&VII) at Kaptai, 210MW at Sikolbaha, 450MW at Bheramara and another 125MW (unit-III) at Barapukuria, PDB sources said.
The country is now generating 3200MW-3500MW of power against the demand for more than 4200MW, leaving a shortfall upto 1000MW.
A senior power division official said over 800MW electricity would be additionally required during the next boro season apart from the regular 10 per cent demand growth.