Indian conglomerate Adani Group has offered more electricity supply by expanding its existing coal power plant in Godda district of the Indian state of Jharkhand.
A five-member delegation of Adani Group, led by Pranav Adani, Director of Adani Enterprises, met Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at his secretariat office in the capital on Wednesday and discussed potential investment opportunities.
Bangladesh currently receives around 900 megawatts (MW) to 1,000 MW of electricity from Adani's Godda power plant, which has a total generation capacity of 1,600 MW.
"I think there are a lot of opportunities that Bangladesh has to offer," Pranav Adani told reporters after the meeting with the finance minister. "We have been exploring ways to further invest in the country."
However, he left abruptly when questioned about discussions regarding outstanding electricity bills owed by Bangladesh to Adani Power.
According to available data until February this year, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) owes around Tk 52.97 billion for electricity purchased from Indian suppliers, with Adani Power alone accounting for TK 36.37 billion.
Under a 2017 deal with Adani Power, the BPDB will purchase electricity from the Godda plant for 25 years.
Following the meeting, Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali told reporters, "We welcome Adani's proposal for further investment."
"They have already done some investment (to supply power to Bangladesh)," he said.
syful-islam@outlook.com