DHAKA, Oct 18, 2017 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said the Sweden government would invest $ 1.0 billion to introduce the new technology and digitalize the grid for making the system more reliable and efficient.
"The government is committed to improve the power by setting up new power plants and strengthen transmission systems through new space saving substations and adopting digital power management solutions," he said this, while witnessing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as the chief guest at Mukti Hall, Biduyt Bhaban.
Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Charlotta Schlyter spoke at the MoU signing ceremony as the special guest.
The state minister said the objectives of the MoU are to increase the technical collaboration, technological solutions and knowledge sharing of power sector among the power division, Sweden and the ABB Limited so that the various utility companies of power sector can improve their efficiency, reliability and effectiveness.
"The grid operation of PGCB and the distribution and managerial capacities of DPDC, DESCO, West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) and REB will be immensely benefitted due to the tripartite MoU," he believed.
Nasrul said that the MoU signing ceremony was the brain child of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as she got the idea of technical cooperation with the Swedish Power Sector during her visit to Stockholm this year.
He said Bangladesh witnesses a rapid growth and penetration of power and electricity after since 2009 and the capacity of producing power more than 15,000 MW, adding, "The market penetration is now reached to more than 80 percent in 2017 from 42 percent in 2009 that has been doubled. We have set our vision to achieve 24,000 MW by 2021."
According to the MoU, the ABB will execute pilot projects with five power utility firms including Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB), Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO), Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC), Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) and West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL).
The Sweden based ABB Limited offered its underground substation concept which can be installed in densely populated areas, while the digital substation would save space and ensure reliability and stability of the system. The ABB also offered to ensure automation of the grid and provide training to engineers and officials of the different utility companies.
Joint Secretary of Power Division Faizul Amin, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Charlotta Schlyter and Harikishan Narayan, Country Managing Director of ABB Limited signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.
