Challenges
- Rapid in-country population growth
- Significant civil works requirements
- Delivering large-scale project on fast-track basis
Background
Bangladesh is experiencing unprecedented population growth and expansion, creating a need for increased infrastructure and services. In order to serve its growing population, the country embarked on a plan to build mega-infrastructure projects. Bangladesh sought a more immediate solution through bridging power while permanent facilities were completed.
In February 2018, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) awarded a contract to APR Energy to produce and provide 300MW of power as an independent power producer (IPP) at a new facility in Pangaon, Keraniganj, Bangladesh. This is one of several contracts that have been implemented by BPDB to deliver 2,000MW of supplemental power to Bangladesh over the next five years.
Solution
The partnership between APR Energy and the government of Bangladesh was realized in a five-year IPP contract. Serving as the independent power producer, APR Energy was responsible for the complete construction of the site that covered more than 71,000 square meters, making it one of its largest infrastructure projects to date. The site development required a significant amount of civil works, including 175,000 cubic meters of sand fill and 3,700 cubic meters of gravel, in addition to the construction of a 30.5-meter transmission tower.
APR Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary company, APR Energy Bangladesh Limited, hired nearly 500 local citizens to complete the construction phase of the 300MW power plant. In addition, fuel logistics and handling are built into the agreement and are being handled entirely by APR Energy.
Outcome
APR Energy successfully commissioned its 300MW power plant, which is now providing the necessary bridging power to Bangladesh while the construction of more permanent infrastructure projects is completed. The plant is fully SCADA controlled, and includes a 230kV substation with MVAR producing, grid stabilizing capacitor banks – a first for an IPP in Bangladesh. To complement the power generation, the facility also supports and employs more than 100 Bangladeshis in sustainable jobs.