Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), India’s state-owned power generation equipment manufacturer, has attained synchronisation of the 660MW second unit at the 1.32GW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Bangladesh.
The synchronisation of Unit-2 has been completed before the scheduled time.
This is considered to be a priority infrastructure development project for cost-effective, baseload power generation in the country.
Located in Rampal, Mongla municipality, Bagerhat district in Bangladesh, the two-unit 660MW Maitree STPP is being developed by Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company, a 50:50 joint venture between Bangladesh Power Development Board and NTPC, India’s state-owned electric utility company.
The project is being built at a cost of $2bn and achieved financial close in April 2017. Financing for the project was provided by Indian EXIM Bank and construction began in the same month.
BHEL secured the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the project in February 2016. Pressure part components for the project were subcontracted to GE in May 2017.
The Maitree STPP project will be powered by two steam-based power generation units along with pulverised coal-fired supercritical boiler units, steam turbines and generators.
It will feature state-of-the-art ultra supercritical technology for achieving lower emissions, and several steps are also claimed to have been taken to reduce environmental impacts, such as installation of a flue gas desulphurisation system to control SOx (suplhur oxide) emissions.
An electrostatic precipitator was also installed, which is said to be more than 99% efficient in controlling ash particulate matter. Other systems in place include a closed cycle cooling water system and zero liquid discharge to reduce water consumption, etc.
In a press release, BHEL said: “The company's stringent quality control measures and adherence to international standards have been instrumental in delivering a power plant that not only meets the energy requirements of Bangladesh but also sets new benchmarks for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“This project is a testament to BHEL's expertise and technological prowess in the power sector. This accomplishment further strengthens BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.”
