The Rampal coal-based power plant faced its eighth shutdown since commencing operations in December 2022. Of these shutdowns, three were attributed to coal shortages, while five were due to technical issues. These repeated closures have raised concerns about the plant’s machinery and its impact on the national grid’s stability. Experts have questioned the plant’s ability to efficiently burn fuel, as frequent shutdowns suggest poor machine reliability.
The most recent shutdown resulted from fly ash accumulation, a rare occurrence indicating potential issues with coal quality and plant operation. The Rampal power project, a joint venture between India and Bangladesh, is set to launch its second unit this year (20223). Energy experts emphasize the importance of addressing machinery quality and reliability concerns to ensure grid stability and minimize fuel consumption during restarts amid the ongoing dollar crisis in Bangladesh.