NTPC to invite tenders for $1.2 billion Bangladesh joint venture power project.

NTPC, India's biggest electricity generator, will invite tenders this month for the construction of a $1.2 billion, joint venture power project to be built in Bangladesh. The coal-fired 1,320 MW plant, expected to become operational by December 2018, is aimed at meeting Bangladesh's growing energy requirements.

'We hope to award the construction project in June and work will start soon after,' NTPC- chairman Arup Roy Choudhury said. The company has appointed Fichtner Consulting Engineers and is selecting a consultant to help in sourcing coal for the project. The plant is likely to use about 8 million tonnes of imported coal every year.

The plant is being built by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company, an equal venture between Bangladesh Power Development Board and NTPC. The first project of this venture is the 1,320 MW Maitree Project at Rampal in Bagerhat district.

NTPC will set up two 660 MW units at the location on land provided by the Bangladesh government. The utility's expertise will be used to run the plant.

At present, demand for power in Bangladesh is about 7,500 MW, which is barely met with its own generation capacity as well as 500 MW sourced from India. By 2021, demand is expected to touch 24,000 MW while in 2030, it is estimated to be about 40,000 MW. At least half of this demand will be met by coalbased thermal power generation sources. NTPC supplies 250 MW to Bangladesh at present.


ET