The Karnaphuli Hydropower Station, Bangladesh’s sole hydroelectric source, has experienced a 30% capacity loss due to lack of maintenance, reducing capacity from 242 MW to 171 MW. Urgent overhauls are needed for three of the facility’s five units, with cracks in structural integrity and ageing equipment being key issues. Units 1 and 2 have been overhauled, but Units 3, 4, and 5, overdue since 2010-2012, face declining capacity. Despite attempts, the Bangladesh Power Development Board struggled to procure contractors for maintenance due to tendering complexities. Toshiba experts have inspected Units 4 and 5, deeming Unit 5 unfit for operation. A comprehensive repair report is awaited. Unit 3 may be temporarily salvaged with spare parts, but a full overhaul is needed. Delays in maintenance could increase costs by 25%, exacerbated by global price hikes from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Plans to initiate renovations are underway, with necessary actions pending completion of procedures.
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