National Grid Under Threat

The existing power generation, transmission, and supply systems carry a significant risk of widespread blackouts.
“The rapid increase in inverter-based resources (IBR) such as solar and wind power will create new types of risks for the current grid management system. According to the report, if a major power plant suddenly trips, the frequency could drop to dangerous levels within moments, and the system could face a major catastrophe even before conventional control mechanisms can respond,” said a government report.

According to the report, without technical reforms, the future security of the national grid cannot be ensured.
A 10-member committee, headed by K.M. Ali Reza, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Power Division, included representatives from power distribution companies, the Power Division, and the Power Grid Company revealed it and submitted report to the Power Division with some recommendations to address the issue. The committee, tasked with reviewing ancillary tariffs, was established as part of the government's 180-day action plan.

In this context, an expert committee formed by the Power Division has recommended major technical overhauls to safeguard the national power grid for the future. The committee recommended the introduction of four new types of ancillary services: Fast Frequency Response, Black Start, Fast Reactive Power, and Load Shifting or Peak Shaving at the distribution level.
These recommendations were made in the final report of a committee recently formed by the Power Division.

The committee's report states that implementing the proposed ancillary services would make frequency and voltage control of the national grid more effective, enable rapid restoration of the power system during emergencies, reduce system losses and overloading, and significantly decrease the use of expensive peaking power plants. This would create opportunities to reduce long-term power generation costs.

"The rapid increase in inverter-based resources (IBR) such as solar and wind power will create new types of risks for the current grid management system. According to the report, if a major power plant suddenly trips, the frequency could drop to dangerous levels within moments, and the system could face a major catastrophe even before conventional control mechanisms can respond.” 

What the Existing System Contains: The report notes that according to the Bangladesh Grid Code-2023 and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), certain ancillary services are already mandatory. Power generation plants are required to supply or absorb reactive power (VAR) as needed to maintain voltage stability in the grid. Additionally, they must ensure frequency control using Free Governor Mode of Operation (FGMO) and Automatic Generation Control (AGC). They are also required to provide accurate information on generation capacity to the grid operator to facilitate power supply planning according to demand.
On the other hand, distribution companies and large industrial consumers are obligated to maintain power factor within specified limits, control network voltage, and provide accurate demand forecasts.

The committee has recommended introducing several new ancillary services. Fast Frequency Response: The report recommends introducing a Fast Frequency Response ancillary service. This technology can prevent sudden frequency drops by injecting or absorbing power within a very short time frame. This would reduce the risk of major power system failures and maintain grid stability.

Black Start for Rapid Restoration After Blackouts: The committee recommends developing Black Start capability at critical locations to restore the grid step-by-step without external power in the event of a complete national grid outage. According to the committee, if key power plants have this capability, the power system can be restored quickly and safely after a major blackout, significantly enhancing the national grid's reliability and security.

Fast Reactive Power for Voltage Control: The committee also recommends introducing a Fast Reactive Power ancillary service. During faults or abnormal conditions, a sudden surge in reactive power demand can cause voltage to drop rapidly, creating a risk of power plant tripping.

Who is Responsible for What: The committee's report clarifies the responsibilities of various power sector entities. Power generation companies must supply reactive power to the grid as needed, maintain Free Governor Mode and Automatic Generation Control, provide accurate generation capacity information, and, in the future, develop Fast Frequency Response and Black Start capabilities as required.

Proposal for a Separate Ancillary Service Market: The committee observes that many countries worldwide have separate markets for ancillary services. It recommends that whether such a market would be suitable for Bangladesh should be assessed through an internationally reputed consulting firm. To this end, the committee suggests appointing an international consultant using government funds or through technical assistance programs from development partners.