Barapukuria Power Plant resumes generation after six-day shutdown

Electricity generation has resumed at the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant after a six-day suspension caused by technical faults.

According to Chief Engineer Md Abu Bakkar Siddique, the plant’s first unit - capable of producing 125 megawatts - was restarted on a trial basis on Friday night. Power generation began at around 8:30pm, and electricity is now being fed into the national grid.

Sources at the plant said the unit is currently producing between 60 and 65 megawatts as part of its initial restart phase.

The unit had been shut down on 25 April following a boiler pipe rupture, which required immediate repairs and halted operations.

The coal-based power station, with a total installed capacity of 525 megawatts, was established in 2006 to make use of coal from the nearby Barapukuria Coal Mine. It initially operated with two units of 125 megawatts each, while a third unit with a capacity of 275 megawatts was added later in 2017. Despite its capacity, the plant has struggled to run at full output due to repeated mechanical issues.

Assistant Chief Engineer Mohsinul Firoz said work is ongoing to repair the remaining units. The third unit is currently undergoing a major overhaul, being carried out with the support of a Chinese contractor. Officials expect this unit to return to operation by 15 May, which could significantly enhance electricity supply.

Over the years, the plant has experienced multiple interruptions due to technical problems, including incidents involving foreign materials entering the boiler system. Such disruptions have previously impacted power supply in several northern districts, including Dinajpur.

Authorities remain hopeful that once all units are fully operational, the plant will play a stronger role in stabilising electricity supply in the region.