Dinajpur, Sep 13 (V7N) - The Barapukuria Coal-Based Power Plant in Dinajpur, with a capacity of 525 megawatts, has resumed power production. Operations restarted at 8:32 PM on Thursday, September 12, following a six-day maintenance shutdown. Power generation has recommenced from Unit 1, which, despite its 125-megawatt capacity, typically produces between 60 and 65 megawatts daily for the national grid. To maintain operations, the plant will require 800-900 metric tons of coal.

Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Chief Engineer of the Barapukuria Power Plant, confirmed the resumption of production.

The power plant has three units, though usually only two are operational at a time while one remains idle. Since November 2020, Unit 2 (125 megawatts) has been out of service, and Unit 3 (275 megawatts), which was producing 190-200 megawatts, stopped operating in late July. Until recently, only Unit 1 was generating power.

Unit 3 began operating again on September 6 after being out of service for over a month. However, production was halted on September 9 due to a malfunctioning oil pump, resulting in a complete shutdown of the plant. On the same day, Unit 1 was taken offline for repairs. This led to a temporary suspension of power to the national grid, causing load shedding in eight northern districts.

Managed by the Chinese contractor Harbin International, the Barapukuria Power Plant has a five-year contract set to expire next year. The contractor was supposed to handle minor repairs and supply parts but has failed to meet these obligations, contributing to recurring issues and production disruptions.

The plant relies on coal from the Barapukuria mine, which currently has a stockpile of 230,000 metric tons. The mine supplies 3,000 to 3,500 metric tons of coal daily. For full operation of all three units, approximately 4,800 metric tons of coal are required daily, though all units have never been operated simultaneously.

Md. Abu Bakar Siddique explained that Unit 2 has been out of service since November 2020. Unit 3 was shut down on September 9 due to a defective oil pump. Unit 1, being old, was closed for maintenance on September 6. After repairs, Unit 1 was brought back online on September 12, generating 60-65 megawatts daily. Siddique noted that the contractor has requested 15 days to procure machinery from China, which will allow Unit 3 to restart.

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