Barapukuria coal plant shutdown widens risks facing coal power

A mechanical failure at Barapukuria coal-fired power plant has shut it down, exacerbating local power shortages and reigniting debate about coal's reliability and future in the energy mix.

The 525-megawatt facility in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, stopped supplying power to the national grid on Sunday after its last operational unit suffered a major boiler failure. The three-unit shutdown raised awareness of long-standing issues with Bangladesh's electricity grid, namely the challenges involved in maintaining and repairing outdated coal-fired power plants.

Energy analysts say the outage reflects broader issues facing ageing infrastructure, including rising maintenance demands and reduced operational reliability, at a time when policymakers are reassessing the long-term role of coal within the country’s evolving energy strategy.

Barapukuria has long struggled with technical reliability. The plant’s largest unit, with a capacity of 275 megawatts, has been out of operation since November last year due to mechanical faults and remains under repair. Since 2020, the second 125-megawatt unit has been offline, and the first 125-megawatt unit—the oldest—failed again just days after restarting in mid-January. Plant officials say repairs to the damaged boiler tubing cannot begin until temperatures fall from operating levels close to 1,000 degrees Celsius, and that the unit’s age — nearly 20 years — means recovery could take an extended period.

When compared with other coal plants in Bangladesh, Barapukuria’s performance appears increasingly fragile. Newer coal-fired facilities in Bangladesh, in contrast, have demonstrated comparatively greater operational availability. The 1,320-megawatt Payra power plant, which began commercial operation recently, has produced more steady output, while managers concede that it has had brief delays due to fuel logistics and grid issues. Also featuring a 1,320 MW capacity, the Rampal (Maitree) power station is designed to grow more efficient by using imported coal and more current generation equipment. Analysts and environmental groups have been examining closely the project's cost structure as well as potential environmental impact. This reflects a broader discussion about coal's future position in Bangladesh's energy policy.

In contrast, Barapukuria's older units rely on domestic coal from the nearby state-run mine, which has experienced output constraints and quality difficulties.

Energy analysts say the comparison illustrates a broader trend: older coal plants tend to suffer from higher maintenance costs, lower efficiency and increased unplanned outages, while newer facilities, though more reliable, come with higher capital costs and long-term fuel import exposure. The effective contribution of Barapukuria to the grid is significantly lower than its nominal capacity due to its record of repeated failures.

The outage has had an immediate impact on electricity supply in northern Bangladesh, where Barapukuria contributes to voltage support and helps limit transmission losses. Grid officials say the shortfall has been managed by increasing output from gas-fired power plants in other regions and, where necessary, drawing more heavily on imported electricity. Higher operating costs are associated with both measures, especially during a period of limited domestic gas availability and fluctuating international market prices.

Energy policy analysts say the episode has renewed debate over the long-term role of coal in Bangladesh’s power strategy. The government has reevaluated multiple planned coal projects in recent years, shifting focus to more flexible and lower-emission alternatives, due to frequent technical disruptions, increasing maintenance requirements, and environmental concerns. Coal was once claimed as a reliable source of baseload electricity.

At the same time, renewable energy capacity, particularly solar, is expanding, though still from a relatively low base.

Energy and environmental policy specialists say the shutdown at Barapukuria has added weight to arguments for prioritising investment in renewable energy, grid upgrades and energy storage, rather than committing further resources to ageing coal-fired facilities. According to analysts, there are occasions where the substantial funds needed for major maintenance and life-extension projects could be placed to better use by supporting long-term aims of reducing emissions and building a more resilient system through the introduction of cleaner and more flexible generation.

The immediate objective of the government is to mitigate supply limitations by restoring one unit at Barapukuria.

Repairs to the 275-megawatt unit are continuing under the supervision of Chinese contractor Harbin International, with spare parts expected from China. Officials say a return to service by March is possible if logistical and technical hurdles are cleared, though no firm timeline has been confirmed.

Looking ahead, energy specialists say the plant’s repeated failures raise strategic choices: whether to invest heavily in life-extension upgrades, operate the facility at reduced capacity, or gradually phase it out as alternative generation comes online. As electricity demand continues to rise, system resilience will increasingly depend on diversification rather than reliance on a small number of large, ageing plants.

Energy analysts say the latest shutdown at Barapukuria highlights a key test for Bangladesh’s energy transition, as the government seeks to meet its targets for cleaner power while maintaining system reliability. Under national plans to expand renewable energy, improve efficiency and reduce reliance on high-emission fuels, policymakers face growing pressure to decide how older coal plants fit into the long-term mix. Experts say managing legacy assets in line with climate commitments and cost constraints will be central to achieving a more resilient and sustainable power system.