Another Indo-BD grid soon for power import

[bluesky]

25 Jul 2017, 00:32:46 | Updated : 25 Jul 2017, 10:17:25


Another Indo-BD grid soon for power import
More 500MW power purchase from neighbouring state planned to meet growing demand

Representational image
FHM Humayan Kabir

Bangladesh will install another cross-border high-voltage transmission line for importing 500-megawatt electricity from India, officials said Monday.

This will be the second such line to be used for importing Indian electricity. Currently, 500MW power is being imported everyday from India through the first 400kv transmission grid line.

The state-run Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) will set up the 400-kilovolt (kv) high-voltage double-circuit grid line between Bheramara in Bangladesh and bordering Berhampur in India to import power from the neighbouring state, West Bengal, QM Shafiqul Islam, a superintending engineer of PGCB, told the FE.

Mr Islam said they had already sent a Tk 1.88-billion worth of project proposal to the Planning Commission (PC) for government approval for installing the second transmission.

He said the government is expected to bankroll Tk 1.74 billion, the lion's share of the total cost, while the remaining Tk 136.5 million will be spent by the PGCB from its own funds.

"We are upgrading the existing 400kv cross-border grid line. After the upgrading, the exiting grid line also could supply 1000MW electricity. But the proposed second line will work as an alternative grid for ensuring reliable power supply," he added.

If any circuit of the first line trips, then the second line will ensure uninterrupted power supply to Bangladesh from India, the company SE told the FE.

Mr Islam said the PGCB has already invited tender for setting up the second cross-border transmission line.

Meanwhile, the state-owned power company completed the first 400kv Bheramara-Baharampur transmission-line construction in September 2013. Thereafter, in October 2013 the government started import 250MW power from India, which later increased to 500 megawatt.

Mr Shafiqul Islam said the grid line on the Indian side had already been upgraded. "When the second grid-line construction will be completed, Bangladesh will be able to import another 500MW power from India."

According to the PGCB, it has plans to set up the second 40-kilometre double-circuit line between Bheramara and bordering Baharampur of India by December 2018.

Earlier, Bangladesh had signed a 500MW power-import deal with India under which it could begin the power import from the neighbouring country in late 2012.

In July 2010, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed a 35-year power agreement with the Power Grid Company of India Ltd (PGCIL) to import 250MW electricity in the first phase.

The proposed back-to-back High Voltage Direct Current (HDVC) 125-km transmission line connects Baharampur in India and Bheramara in Bangladesh, which can transfer 500MW electricity.

India's largest electricity producer, National Thermal Power Company (NTPC), is supplying power to Bangladesh under a move meant for helping strengthen trade ties between the two nations.

The stat-owned BPDB purchases the power from the Indian public company, NTPC, under a power-purchase agreement signed in February 2012.

 

[B2B]

Great to see India and Bangladesh co-operate in the power sector which is the main engine for development of the region.

 

[asad71]

Great to see India and Bangladesh co-operate in the power sector which is the main engine for development of the region.

And by which you an hold us hostage. We cannot forget that Bhutan and Nepal had always offered to coop with us in this. That would have meant far cheaper unit price beside improving the economy of these two sincere friends of BD. The whole world is aware, impoverished India is seriously short of power herself. Therefore, detecting an ulterior motive here doesn't need an Einstein.

 

[Mage]

Not a fan of these things. But it's alright for the short time. We lack electricity. So importing from India or anywhere else is fine. However in the long term we need to be able to generate the electricity we need. No matter whether we generate by coals or Nuclear reactors. The goal is to be self sufficient to provide constant power supply. We can be choosy about the source only after doing that.

 

[B2B]

And by which you an hold us hostage. We cannot forget that Bhutan and Nepal had always offered to coop with us in this. That would have meant far cheaper unit price beside improving the economy of these two sincere friends of BD. The whole world is aware, impoverished India is seriously short of power herself. Therefore, detecting an ulterior motive here doesn't need an Einstein.

That's fine with me , your lot are few and far , the future belongs to co-operation and development in a wholesome way. There is no space for conspiracy theories , fanatics and pessimistic generation in the future. Enjoy in your well.

 

[bluesky]

And by which you an hold us hostage. We cannot forget that Bhutan and Nepal had always offered to coop with us in this. That would have meant far cheaper unit price beside improving the economy of these two sincere friends of BD. The whole world is aware, impoverished India is seriously short of power herself. Therefore, detecting an ulterior motive here doesn't need an Einstein.

So, if BD people really think that India will keep us hostage with the electricity, then why they go against excavating the coal mines in our NW and building a power plant in Rampal? But, the question remains to be answered, do you people really think that India can make us hostage with a mere 1000-1500 mW power supply when the GoB is planning to build plants that will produce a total of 60, 000mW of power inside the country?

Anyway, Jamaatis and Communists led by Anu Muhammad should not join hands together and lead people towards long dark nights.