The unit no. two of Payra 1320 MW Thermal Power Plant in Patuakhali will remain offline for essential maintenance for the next two months, starting November 10, 2024, plant officials confirmed.
The scheduled maintenance aims to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of the coal-based power facility, which has been fully operational since 2020.
Payra Power Plant is one of Bangladesh’s largest coal-powered energy sources, and maintenance activities like this are crucial to prevent mechanical failures and maintain optimal performance. The plant’s project manager, Shah Abdul Maula, stated that the timing was chosen strategically to minimize disruption, as electricity demand typically declines during the winter months. “Other coal-based and gas-powered units will help cover any potential shortfall, so the impact on power supply should be minimal,” he assured.
While Unit 2 undergoes maintenance, Unit 1 will continue to supply 622 MW of electricity to the national grid. Plant officials emphasized that this output, combined with contributions from other energy sources, would be adequate to meet the country's electricity needs.
Zubair Ahmed, chief engineer of the Payra Power Plant, explained the importance of this maintenance. “It's a necessary measure to ensure the plant’s long-term efficiency. Although one unit is down, our backup capacity across the country will sustain national power demands,” he said.
The Payra 1320 MW Thermal Power Plant, a significant project in Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure, was developed as a joint venture between Bangladesh's North-West Power Company and China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). Funded primarily by China's Exim Bank and China Development Bank, with 80% of the cost covered through loans, the plant has played a vital role in reducing Bangladesh’s dependence on imported electricity since it began operation in 2020.
Officials highlighted that the maintenance is covered under the existing agreement with Chinese partners, meaning the government will not incur additional costs. The Payra Plant continues to be a cornerstone of the nation's power supply strategy, reinforcing the importance of proactive maintenance to secure a stable energy future.
