The Rampal thermal power plant has emerged as a key contributor to Bangladesh’s energy supply, delivering over 10.5 billion units of electricity to the national grid.
Accounting for more than 7% of the country’s total power generation, the 1,320-megawatt coal-fired facility not only supports national electricity needs but also boosts local socio-economic development.
Alongside its coal-based operations, the plant is pioneering a 10 MW solar project within its premises, signalling a step towards integrating renewable energy into its generation mix.
The power plant is a joint venture between Bangladesh and India, implemented by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in partnership with India’s state-owned NTPC Limited. The plant’s first unit began commercial production in December 2022, while the second unit went into operation in March 2024. Currently, both units are generating electricity at full capacity and supplying it to the national grid.
Production statistics show that in June this year, the plant recorded its highest monthly output of 676.73 million units. On 1 June, Unit-2 achieved its highest daily generation at 100.3% capacity, while Unit-1 reached 100.46% on 15 June. In April, Unit-1 recorded the highest monthly plant availability rate of 99.96%. In June, the overall monthly availability reached 97.28%. The plant’s average station DC for the last quarter (April-June) stood at 92.2%, with the full-year station DC finalised on 12 April.
Economists noted that the Rampal plant is playing an important role in driving industrialisation by ensuring a regular electricity supply to the national grid. Alongside national contributions, the plant is also boosting the local economy through youth employment opportunities and community development programmes targeted at women and underprivileged groups.
Rampal Project Director Ramanath Pujari said, “So far, more than 10,359 billion units of electricity have been supplied to the national grid from this plant. Every month, the plant contributes 7-8% of the country’s total power generation. Over the past three months, thanks to uninterrupted coal supply and the easing of the dollar crisis, we have been able to generate electricity as per demand. We are currently meeting all the supply requirements assigned to us.”
According to him, a single 660 MW unit generates 400-500 MW during the daytime, while demand rises to 600-660 MW between 7 pm and 3 am. On 1 June and 15 June, both units separately ran at full capacity, achieving 100% generation.
Energy expert Dr Ijaz Hossain of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology said, “The Rampal power plant is undoubtedly contributing to the economy. Our coal-fired plants have become critical because domestic gas reserves and production are continuously declining, while we are unable to import sufficient LNG. In this situation, there is no scope to expand gas-based generation. Coal-fired plants are now essential. Considering the overall situation, all coal-fired plants are highly important and are contributing to the country.”
Uninterrupted coal supply
Senior officials at the Rampal plant said despite outstanding dues, the coal supplier has continued to ensure uninterrupted deliveries, which helped the plant maintain full-capacity production. Currently, the plant still has an adequate coal reserve.
Project Director Ramanath Pujari added that although demand sometimes falls due to monsoon rains- requiring one unit to shut down temporarily- the plant has not faced closures due to fuel shortages. To reduce future risks, coal storage capacity will be expanded to maintain reserves of 400,000-500,000 tonnes at all times.
Solar project inside Rampal
The plant has also initiated a 10 MW solar power project by installing panels on rooftops and unused spaces within the facility, including the township building, labour colony and jetty areas. A preliminary in-house feasibility study has already been completed, and a detailed study is underway with consultant recruitment in process. The solar project will help reduce the plant’s own electricity costs, while surplus solar power can be supplied to the national grid.
Pujari said, “The 10 MW solar power project inside Rampal is still in its preliminary stage. We expect it to go into production within a year as a pilot project, subject to approval from the Power Development Board. The electricity will be supplied to the grid. In the future, there are also plans to expand solar generation capacity by an additional 40 MW within the power plant area.”
