Power generation in the private sector has reached 45 per cent of the total production during the last seven years, and experts say gradually the private sector will outbid the public sector in terms of production.
Against the country's current 10,341 megawatt (MW) installed capacity, 9,727 MW power is generated, as of February 2014. In the last few months, a few more megawatts have also been added to the total generation, officials said.
An official at the Power Cell under Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) said the private sector's current generating capacity has reached 4,364 MW.
He said during the last seven years the public sector's share has not increased that much compared with the private sector, as the government has encouraged electricity generation through independent power producers (IPPs).
According to the Power Cell estimation, the public sector power plants' generation did not increase in proportion to that of the private sector in the East and West zones.
Currently the government owns 46 plants in the East zone and 19 in the West, and total 65 plants (hydro, gas-fired combined-cycle, heavy fuel oil and others) are generating more than 5,381 MW of power (as of February 2014).
He said private investment took place in 60 power units in the forms of rental, quick rental and small independent power plants, which are currently generating more than 45 per cent of the country's total electricity output.
A BPDB official said, "Though the private sector's generating capacity has increased at a higher rate during the last seven years, it would be rather stable in the coming days."
He noted that to meet exigencies the government has encouraged private sector investment, involving higher cost and at people's expense.
He said, "If the existing government power plants are overhauled and upgraded with enhanced capacity, there would be no or little need for expensive quick rental or rental power plants."
An IPP owner said, "It is not possible for the government to generate power under its own management in line with the growing need."
He said amid the rising demand more private investment is required in power sector.
"A good number of large IPPs are in the pipeline, and if the projects come into effect, they will open a new horizon for large-scale private investment in power generation," he added.
Another IPP owner said due to higher productivity, heat rates, efficiency and quality private sector power generation will exceed the public sector.
He observed that many old power plants under the public sector are consuming huge fuel, but their heat rates and efficiency etc are lower than the small IPPs, quick rental and rental power plants.
Currently steam turbines are generating 2,193 MW power, combined-cycle units 1,867 MW, peaking 5,167 MW and 500MW power is being imported.
According to data, the natural fuel-based power generation is 6,218 MW, hydropower 220 MW, furnace oil 1,928 MW, diesel 661 MW and coal-based power generation accounts for 22 MW.
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