Power generation has resumed at the Barapukuria coal-based thermal power plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, after a two-day shutdown, with one unit returning to operation.
The plant’s chief engineer, Abu Bakkar Siddique, said on Friday evening that the 125MW unit has been restarted on a trial basis.
From 8pm on Friday, the unit began supplying around 55–60MW of electricity to the national grid, requiring approximately 700 metric tonnes of coal daily, he added.
According to sources, the unit went offline around 10pm on April 22 due to a mechanical fault caused by stones mixed with coal. Engineers resolved the issue under close supervision, allowing the unit to resume operations.
Officials expect the resumption to improve electricity supply in eight northern districts, including Parbatipur, and significantly reduce load shedding in the region.
The 525MW plant operates on coal from the Barapukuria coal mine. However, its second unit, also with a capacity of 125MW, has remained shut since November 2020. Before its closure, it generated around 60–65MW of electricity.
The chief engineer expressed optimism that the restored unit would help stabilise power supply and bring relief to consumers facing frequent outages.
