Current Status: Preparation
Source: WZPDCL
Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant, also called Monpura Minigrid Power Plant, is a power plant with a combination of solar Photovoltaic (PV)-Battery-Diesel situated in Monpura Island under Monpura Upazila in Bhola District of Bangladesh (Location: 22.3018, 90.9302). It is sponsored by Western Renewable Energy Private Limited (WREL), a subsidiary of Western Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd, as a private Independent Power Producer (IPP) for 20 years. The power plant was to start commercial operation in 2022, and, as scheduled, it will retire in 2042.
Capacity
The installed and derated capacity of the power plant is 4.6 MW and 3 MW.
Context
The Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant project emerged in response to the electricity demands of Monpura Island, situated at the Meghna estuary in Bangladesh. Its initiation received official approval from the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on December 8, 2021, operating under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act 2021. The joint collaboration of the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) and Western Monpura Solar Power Limited (WMSPL) was tasked with implementing this critical power infrastructure.
In the power purchase agreement, West Zone Power Distribution Company procure electricity from the plant at BDT 21.86 per unit. This purchase rate, sustained for 20 years post-construction, stands significantly higher than the average consumer price of BDT 7.13 per unit, as dictated by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission.
The power plant is anticipated to produce 30,000 kilowatt hours of electricity daily This will provide electricity to around 20,483 consumers on Monpura Island. Monpura Island, situated 18 km from the mainland and 96 km from a national electricity grid substation, faces geographical challenges. The successful implementation of this project is expected to not only meet the immediate energy needs of the island but also contribute to its sustained development and improved quality of life for its residents (TBS, 2022).
Finance
The estimated budget of the power plant is BDT 459 crore (USD 42.5 million when USD 1 = BDT 108). Either share of equity and debt or any name of a possible External Credit Agency (ECA) is yet to be disclosed.
Sponsor
Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant involves sponsorship and implementation by Western Renewable Energy Private Limited (WREL). WREL utilizes a solar-battery-diesel configuration, indicating a diverse approach to ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply on Monpura Island.
Fuel
The power plant will run on solar panels, diesel generators, and a battery storage system.
Contractors
No specific information about the contractors of the power plant is found till date. However, the project was a collaboration of the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) and Western Monpura Solar Power Limited (WMSPL) was tasked with implementing this critical power infrastructure (UNB, 2022). So, the roles of WMSPL could encompass various aspects of the project's development, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities related to the solar and battery components of the hybrid power plant.
Power Generation
The expected Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the power plant was scheduled in 2022. BPDB was to buy electricity from the power plant at a rate of USD 0.2485 (BDT 21.125) per unit (kilowatt hour) for 25 years from COD (TBS 2021). Before this initiative, existing infrastructure on the island included three mini-grids, a 1.66 MVA diesel generator, and solar power systems. However, these systems fell short of providing electricity to all consumers at government-regulated rates throughout the day. This diversified infrastructure ensures a consistent power supply during natural disasters or periods of limited solar generation.
Environment
According to the Environmental Conservation Rule 1997 the project falls in the Orange B category indicating it as a slightly polluting sector (MOEFCC 1997). According to its category, the power plant needs to go through an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
References
TBS (2021). "Chinese firm to build 42.5MW waste-to-power plant in Gazipur". The Business Standard (TBS): 9 December, 2021.
TBS (2022). “3 MW hybrid power plant for Monpura island”. The Business Standard (TBS): 25 July, 2022.
UNB (2022). “A private producer to set up a 3 MW hybrid power plant at Monpura” United News of Bangladesh (UNB): 25 July, 2022.
MOEFCC (1997). The Environmental Conservation Rules. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC): 27 August 1997.
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