The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (2x660MW) of Bangladesh and India at Rampal, popularly known as Rampal power plant in Bagerhat of Khulna division, is a “strong manifestation of the deep friendship and cooperation” between the countries, the Indian High Commission said.
New High Commissioner Pranay Verma visited the Plant on Saturday, on the second day of his tour to that region.
The coal-fired thermal power plant is being set up at a cost of approximately $ 2 billion which was provided by the Indian Line of Credit.
It’s an ultra-super critical power plant built with the latest technologies taking environmental safety into account.
Two Prime Ministers – Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi- inaugurated the Phase-1 in September 2022. It is already connected to the national grid. The phase-2 will be completed soon.
It is being constructed under the government of India’s Concessional Financing Scheme by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Private Ltd (BIFPCL), a 50:50 Joint Venture Company between India's NTPC and Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
“Its an important element of India and Bangladesh's development partnership,” the High Commission said. The relevance of coal-fired power plants is felt again in the advanced world in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia war. Germany has put back an old coal-fired power plant on to the network following the debate of how Europe’s largest economy will cope without Russian gas. Countries like India and China are dependent on coal for power generation.
Some of the in-built measures to minimise air and water pollution, inter-alia, include a Flue Gas Desulphurization System (FGD) with no bypass to control the emission of SOx,
Integrated Effluent and Waste Management System to avoid contamination of Pasur River, construction of the tallest Chimney in Bangladesh (at 275 m) for wider dispersion of flue gas emissions, construction of an advance Ship Unloader for coal as well as a fully covered Coal Stock Yard, along with use of High Grade imported coal with low Ash and Sulphur content, among other measures.
They use high-grade coal with low ash and low sulphur content, and also use high efficiency electrostatic precipitators (ESPS) that removes fine particles like dust, low Nox emission technology to remove nitrogen oxide (Nox) gases.
The height of the chimney is 275 metre which is taller than other plants to minimize environmental impacts of flue gases.
Once a marshy area, the 915.5 acres area of the Rampal power plant now has a modern look. The company under the project is also helping the local poor people with medical camps, water filter distribution and wheelchairs.
Over 100,000 trees have been planted around the area.
