Current Status: Shelved
Source: Representational Photo (Energy and Power Magazine, 2021)
Raozan 400 MW LNG Power Plant also called Raozan 400MW combined cycle power plant is a LNG based power plant. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) functions as a comprehensive electric utility in Bangladesh. It generates electricity through various means including gas, furnace oil, diesel, hydro, coal, and solar sources. BPDB manages diverse power generation facilities such as independent power plants, small independent power producers, rental power plants, and the Rural Electrification Board. These facilities employ technologies like steam turbines, gas turbines, combined cycles, reciprocating engines, hydro, and solar PV (Power Technology, 2021). The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) has granted its endorsement for a total of nine propositions. Among these, there was approval for the establishment of a 400MW power facility in Raozan, located in Chattogram. The expected commercial operation date of the power plant is in 2025.
Capacity
The power plant will be constructed with an installed capacity of 400MW.
Context
In 2021, BPDP signed for a new power plant in Raozan 400 MW which will be carried out by a Chinese firm using LNG fuel and the expected commissioned date is December 2025 (BPDB, Annual Report,2021-2022). The decision was reached during the 18th meeting of the CCGP, which was conducted virtually under the leadership of the Finance Minister. Following the meeting, the Cabinet Division Additional Secretary addressed reporters virtually. She conveyed that SEPCO-III Electric Power Construction Company Limited from China has been designated to construct the power plant in Raozan, Chattogram. The project, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), is estimated to cost approximately BDT 17.97 billion (Financial Express, 2021).
Land Acquisition
Land acquisition information has not been disclosed yet.
Finance
Bangladesh Power Development Board will be the owner of that power plant and around 21 crore BDT is fixed for the cost of Raozan power plant.
Sponsor
Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will sponsor the completion of the power plant.
Contractors
SEPCO-III Electric Power Construction Company Limited, China will set up the power plant at Raozan in Chattogram with around BDT 1,796.72 crore under the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
Fuel Supply
LNG will be used to operate the Raozan 400MW combined cycle power plant and BPDP will arrange that fuel.
Power generation
According to BPDP, the power plant will start power generation in 2025 and the expected capacity is 400MW. The unit price per kilowatt hour of electricity will be BDT 1.38 (Energy & Power, 2021).
Environment
This power plant will cover a large area and that will have a potential environmental impact on the surroundings. The leakage of LNG during the extraction, transportation, and storage of natural gas is a considerable environmental concern. Methane, being a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to climate change. Even small leaks can have a large impact due to the high potency of methane as a greenhouse gas.
Criticism
According to the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), Bangladesh Government wants to ensure 100% renewable energy by 2050. But this decision to establish a new large power plant of BPDB will affect this aim and the environment will be affected a lot by this new power plant.
References
Energy and Power Magazine 2021. Chinese Company to Set Up 400 MW Power Plant in Ctg. Energy & Power Magazine. 03 June 2021
Financial Express 2021. Chinese co to set up a 400MW power plant in Ctg. The Financial Express. 20 May 2021.
Power Technology 2021. Raozan Combined Cycle Power Plant. Bangladesh. Power Technology. 03 December 2021.
BPDP, Annual Report 2021-2022. Bangladesh Power Development Board Annual Report .2021-2022.