Metropolis Desk-
The country’s 230MW Karnaphuli Hydropower Station faces challenges in boosting its production during the rainy season due to irregular rain and outdated machinery.
The station’s capacity has decreased from 25MW to 60-70MW this month, with occasional closures from March to mid-June due to low water levels.
The station, located in Rangamati, has been experiencing declining rainfall due to climate change and irregular rainfall. The dam’s capacity has decreased due to climate change and increased rainfall.
The station has generated 39,606 million units of electricity since its establishment in 2022. However, technical issues, bureaucratic complications, and delays in repairs stem from bureaucratic complications.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board has faced difficulties in securing a qualified contractor, leading to tender withdrawals. The renovation of units-4 and -5 has been delayed by a decade, and a contractor has not been appointed for unit-4 and -5 renovations.
The enhancement of electricity generation capacity at the hydropower plant is uncertain, with the Japan External Trade Organisation proposing two additional 50MW units in 2000 but facing objections from local communities.
The Reservoir Operation Committee (ROC) has not been effective, and if two additional units are constructed, they would only be operational for three months a year due to water shortages.
