Asia | August 12, 2024

Substations for 412 MW Bangladeshi power plant

This facility is one of the largest and most efficient power plants in Bangladesh, designed to enhance electricity availability in the Dhaka region, the capital city.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

The Haripur power project in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, is a significant advancement in the country’s energy infrastructure, featuring a 412 MW combined cycle power plant. The project involves three key utilities: the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh (EGCB), the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), and the Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA). This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation’s power capacity and transmission network to meet increasing electricity demands.

Project Overview

The EGCB operates the Haripur power plant, which utilises natural gas as its primary fuel source, making it an environmentally friendly option as recognised by the World Bank. The plant generates and supplies low-cost electricity to the national grid. PGCB is responsible for evacuating the generated power, while DESA handles its distribution to consumers.

Technological Solutions

Hitachi Energy provided a comprehensive solution for the project, which included the delivery and installation of standardised, factory-tested modular components. This approach optimised engineering and adhered to strict delivery timelines. Key components included:

– A 132 kV air-insulated substation retrofit with 28 bays
– A new 33 kV gas-insulated substation
– Auxiliary and distribution transformers
– Generator circuit breakers and medium voltage switchgear

As part of the retrofit, Hitachi Energy updated the existing 30-year-old substation’s designs, maximising the reuse of materials and equipment. The upgrade of the 28 bays increased their capacity from 40 kA to 63 kA, completed within 16 months without disrupting power generation or distribution, and achieved with zero incidents.

Scope of Delivery

Hitachi Energy was tasked with the design, engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning of the entire solution. The specific contributions included:

– EGCB 132 kV Substation: Implemented an IEC 61850 substation automation system for nine bays, along with control and protection cubicles.

– DESA 132/33/11 kV Substation: Integrated an IEC 61850 substation automation system and transformer protection cubicles.

– Haripur 132 kV Substation: Extended and modified existing busbar protection systems.

Customer Feedback

Mostafa Kamal, the Managing Director of EGCB, highlighted the project as the most technically challenging they had encountered, primarily due to the outdated substation documentation. He praised Hitachi Energy for its professional execution and ability to overcome various challenges, noting that this project was the first in Bangladesh to be completed on schedule, thanks to the dedicated team involved.

Source: Hitachi