Bangladesh doubles generating capacity

• 10 years ago (2013-11-22)
• Junior Isles

North America 1004

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Government officials have announced that in just five years Bangladesh has more than doubled its available power generation, from 5000 MW to 10 000 MW.

"It's a joyous day for us. It's a successful and historic day for our government. It's a day of setting a milestone and materialising our commitment to people," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a speech celebrating the milestone.

A swathe of new power investment since 2009 and co-operation with India have allowed Bangladesh to reduce the endemic power cuts endured for decades by many residents.

A bilateral agreement with India has allowed Bangladesh to import 175 MW of Indian electricity during October, which has mostly been distributed in southern parts of the country now relieved from power outages.

"This is a watershed event in Bangladesh and (for the) whole of South Asia. Bangladesh must co-operate with India to ensure continued power import in the future," said Mohammad Tamim, manager of the Power and Energy Ministry during 2008 under caretaker government. "This grid connectivity will help Bangladesh supplement its energy deficit on the one hand and build confidence between the two countries," he said.

Bangladesh’s energy demand has been rising year-on-year in tandem with a strong 6 per cent economic growth rate over the last decade.

Government figures put Bangladesh's peak daily power production at 6350 MW, with peak demand of 8400 MW leading to frequent nationwide power outages.

Government plans to generate over 30 000 MW of additional power by 2021 hope to solve this shortage and increase access to electricity. Currently only 60 per cent of Bangladeshis have access to electricity.