The construction of a mega coal-run power project at Maheshkhali in Cox's Bazar is moving at a fast pace. By June 2024, a total of 1,200 megawatts of electricity is expected to be added to the national grid from the Matarbari project.
According to project officials, 88% of the work on the plant has been completed. The construction of two jetties at the project has already been done. Also, various infrastructure works of the project are in the final stage. As a result, the plant will start producing 600MW by January 2024, and 600MW more will be added in June of the same year.
The coal will be brought from abroad by sea. Initially, three countries have been selected for importing coal – Mozambique, Australia and Indonesia.
Dhaka TribuneThe project started in August 2017 under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL) is implementing the project on a 1.68-acre area that accommodates the power project and a deep sea port.
The total expenditure has been estimated at Tk51,854.88 crore. In the beginning, the main project cost was estimated at Tk35,984.45 crore. But the cost of the project increased later.
Md Abu Raihan Sarkar, executive engineer of the electricity department at the project, said: "The world's latest technology, the ultra super-critical technology with 200MW production capacity, is progressing at full speed.”
Dhaka TribuneMd Mizanur Rahman, executive engineer of the Mechanical Department, said: "We have the entire next year in our hands, a total of 1,400 people are working here, including about 1,000 foreigners. Meanwhile, power generation will start in January 2024. Some 10,000 tons of coal per day will be required for power generation.
"The project will not have any negative impact on the environment. Basically, cold yards are set up for storing coal in an environmentally friendly way. This coal will be unloaded from large vessels and stored in the cold yard. As the cold yard will remain completely covered, there will be no environmental impact."
The port has been constructed to bring in the goods to be used in the plant. For this purpose, excavation work in the surrounding river and sea areas has also been completed.
"Already, a total of 110 ships have arrived at this port with goods and equipment for the power plant," Md Mizanur said.
This power plant is being constructed with the aim of providing quality and reliable power by 2024 to increase power generation in the country. Through this project, cost-effective power generation and development of Matarbari sea port will be supported.
Dhaka TribuneThe main major works of the project include the construction of deep channels, a jetty for coal and oil discharge, and a 275m high chimney, the development of land for a port and the power plant, and the implementation of rural electrification, acquisition and rehabilitation and construction of townships.
Many of the main works of the port and power plant have been completed 100%. Those who have lost their homes due to land acquisition have been given modern homes. Since 2015, four palliative care institutions are also running their activities.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mamunur Rashid said: “The work of power project did not stop even during the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the project will be completed on schedule.”
