West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) has taken initiatives to supply uninterrupted electricity in Bhola’s remote Monpura island through solar hybrid power plant.
Western Renewable Energy Limited (WREL), a private company, will set up the country’s first off-grid solar hybrid power plant as ‘Build, Own and Operate (BOO) Basis’. WZPDCL will purchase electricity from the IPP (Independent Power Producer) and supply it to the consumers of that area with subsidy.
Monpura is one of the remotest islands in the southern part of Bangladesh. The island is very popular among the travelers for its panoramic natural beauty. However, electricity is one of the main obstacles to economic prosperity of the potential area.
People used to depend mostly on biomass (wood, straw, animal manure, forest debris, etc.) and liquid fuels like kerosene and diesel to meet their lighting demand. Liquid fuel, such as kerosene and diesel, are expensive and burning such fuels emits carbon and other health hazardous things to the atmosphere.
An official of WZPDCL said, “Earlier on May 19, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the project, which is currently awaiting financial approval from the Cabinet Committee for Government Purchase (CCGP). After getting the approval, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will sign a 20-year power purchase agreement with the power plant to purchase electricity at Tk 21.25 per unit.”
“It is expected that the Monpura island will be illuminated after setting up of the power plant by mid-2022. The power plant will ensure electricity supply to some 1 lakh people of the area once it is completed,” he added.
The official also said 10MWp (Megawatt peak) solar system will be installed to continues supply 3MW of electricity. Consumers will get electricity from the solar PV module in the presence of sunlight. However, a total of 8,000 life cycle with 20 years performance Lithium-ion Battery will be used here to supply uninterrupted electricity at night or in absence of sunlight. Besides, there will also be a 2MW diesel generator as a backup for rainy and foggy days.
Project Director of Monpura 3 MW (AC) Solar-Diesel-Hybrid’ Power Project, Engineer Motiur Rohman, told the Bangladesh Post, “Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed the authorities concerned to supply reliable and uninterrupted electricity to every house at an affordable price. To this end, we have taken initiatives to implement the project.”
“It will be the largest off-grid solar power plant in Asia region. Once completed, the power plant will provide electricity to around 18,000 families in Monpura, including 5,000 non-electrified consumers. They will enjoy uninterrupted power supply. As a result, the quality of life of the people of the area will be improved,” he added.
Rohman also said, “At present, a diesel generator operated by WZPDCL provides electricity to about 900 consumers in Hazirhat Union of Monpura for 8 hours daily at an average production cost of about Taka 37 per unit. In addition to the solar mini grid system, some customers are getting electricity at Taka 30 per unit. It is costly and people are not getting uninterrupted electricity through diesel generator and solar system. Through the new power plant, consumers will get uninterrupted electricity at the same price for other users in accordance with the tariff of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission.”
“The cost of electricity at the power plant is higher than other solar power plants. So, many solar PV modules will be installed here for ensuring uninterrupted power supply. High capacity batteries are also being used for power storage in the area. Due to these reasons, the installation cost of the plant is 2.5 times higher than the regular price. However, electricity will be purchased from the power plant at the rate of Tk 21.25 per unit. BPDB have to provide subsidy,” he added.
Motiur further said, “Capacity payment is included in the existing diesel based IPP power plants purchased by the Bangladesh Power Development Board. As a result, even if the power plant is off for certain period in a month, the sponsor is given a capacity charge at a fixed rate. However, WZPDCL's brand new technology project has no such provision for the sponsor. Instead, the sponsor must have to generate at least 30,000 units of electricity per day. Otherwise, they will have to pay compensation as per hour to WZPDCL.”
According to WDPDCL sources, the distance of National Grid from Monpura is about 95 kms. Considering the overload, voltage drop and line distance of the existing network, it will not be possible to supply quality power in the area from the national grid.
In future, if a grid substation is set up in Char Fashion, electricity can be provided from the national grid through submarine cable to Monpura. The current solar hybrid project has been designed which will be integrated with the national grid in future.