Abdus Salam, Dinajpur
The 525MW Barapukuria coal-fired thermal power plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, has completely halted generation, causing hardship to people in Parbatipur and eight other northern districts.
The plant’s 125MW first unit and 275MW third unit have been temporarily shut down due to mechanical faults. Meanwhile, the second unit has remained closed for overhaul work since November 2020.
Chief Engineer of Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant Md Abu Bakkar Siddique said the first unit stopped generation at 5:50am on Monday (October 5), while the third unit stopped at 5:05am on Tuesday (October 6) due to mechanical faults.
However, he said it was difficult to say when the two units would resume generation.
A team of engineers from China’s Harbin Company has started work to repair the mechanical faults in the two units, he said.
The 275MW third unit used to supply 160-170MW of electricity to the national grid daily. It required 2,500 tonnes of coal a day to remain operational.
The 125MW first unit supplied 50-55MW of electricity to the national grid daily and required 800-900 tonnes of coal a day to operate.
The second unit has remained closed for 5 years and 11 months since November 2020 for overhaul work.
The authorities said the second unit is likely to resume operation at any time in October. #EK
