Kaptai plant’s power generation lowest in 35 years

Generation is declining gradually because all the machinery and equipment have become old, Project Manager Shafiqul Islam told this correspondent yesterday.

Units 1, 4 and 5 are out of operation because the old machinery can not cover the Mega Bar (MB) load from pressure of water, he said. Units 4 and 5 are inoperative for months while Unit 1 is not functioning for the last few days. Unit 1 is being repaired and will resume generation soon, he said.

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Only two units (unit 2 and 3), with a capacity of 50 MW each, are in operation. These two produced 96 MW power on Thursday though the water level in the lake is adequate, he said.

The water level was recorded at 83 MSL (Mean Sea Level) on Thursday while the minimum required for smooth run of the powerhouse 76 MSL.

All the machinery need thorough renovation, he said.

A proposal has been made and it is under power ministry's consideration to renovate units 4 and 5 by March next year, the official said.

The plant was set up in early 1960s.