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Monpura 3 MW (Western) Hybrid Power Plant

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  • 4 min read

Current Status: Preparation


Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant, also called Monpura Minigrid Power Plant, is a power plant with a combination of solar Photovoltaic (PV)-Battery-Diesel situated in Monpura Island under Monpura Upazila in Bhola District of Bangladesh (Location: 22.3018, 90.9302). It is sponsored by Western Renewable Energy Private Limited (WREL), a subsidiary of Western Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd, as a private Independent Power Producer (IPP) for 20 years. The power plant was to start commercial operation in 2022, and, as per schedule, it will retire in 2042.


Capacity

The installed and derated capacity of the power plant is 4.6 MW and 3 MW.


Context

The Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant project emerged in response to the electricity demands of Monpura Island, situated at the Meghna estuary in Bangladesh. Its initiation received official approval from the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on December 8, 2021, operating under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act 2021. The joint collaboration of the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) and Western Monpura Solar Power Limited (WMSPL) was tasked with implementing this critical power infrastructure.


In the power purchase agreement, West Zone Power Distribution Company  procure electricity from the plant at BDT  21.86 per unit. This purchase rate, sustained for 20 years post-construction, stands significantly higher than the average consumer price of BDT 7.13 per unit, as dictated by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission.


The power plant is anticipated to produce 30,000 kilowatt hours of electricity daily This will provide electricity to  around 20,483 consumers on Monpura Island. Monpura Island, situated 18 km from the mainland and 96 km from a national electricity grid substation, faces geographical challenges. The successful implementation of this project is expected to not only meet the immediate energy needs of the island but also contribute to its sustained development and improved quality of life for its residents (TBS, 2022).


Finance

The estimated budget of the power plant is BDT 459 crore (USD 42.5 million when USD 1=BDT 108). Either share of equity and debt or any name of a possible External Credit Agency (ECA) is yet to be disclosed.


Sponsor

Monpura 3 MW Hybrid Power Plant involves the sponsorship and implementation by Western Renewable Energy Private Limited (WREL). WREL utilises a solar-battery-diesel configuration, indicating a diverse approach to ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply on Monpura Island.


Fuel Supply

The power plant will run on  solar panels, diesel generators, and a battery storage system. The project comprises an 11 MWp Solar PV array, a 22 MWh LiFePO4 Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), and three 850 KVA prime power diesel generators as backup (WREL). 


Contractors

The project will be fully owned and constructed by WMSPL on Monpura Island (WREL). But the project was a joint collaboration of the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) and Western Monpura Solar Power Limited (WMSPL) was tasked with implementing this critical power infrastructure (UNB, 2022). So, the roles of WMSPL could encompass various aspects of the project's development, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities related to the solar and battery components of the hybrid power plant.


Power Generation

The expected Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the power plant was scheduled in 2022. BPDB was to buy electricity from the power plant at a rate of USD 0.2485 (BDT 21.125) per unit (kilowatt hour) for 25 years from COD (TBS 2021). Prior to this initiative, existing infrastructure on the island included three mini-grids, a 1.66 MVA diesel generator, and solar power systems. However, these systems fell short of providing electricity to all consumers at government-regulated rates throughout the day. This diversified infrastructure ensures a consistent power supply during natural disasters or periods of limited solar generation.


Environment

According to Section 12 of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act 1995, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is obligatory for any industry (MOLJPA, 1995). The polluting industries, such as power plants, have to go through an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA as directed in the Environmental Conservation Rules 1997 (MOEFCC, 1997). According to the environmental conservation rule 2023 the project falls in the “Yellow” indicating it as a slightly harmful project for the environment (MOEFCC 2023). According to its category, the power plant needs to go through an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).


References

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