The Kaptai Hydropower Plant with a capacity of 242 MW across five units, experienced challenges in electricity generation due to fuel shortages, resulting in a record low lake level during this year’s (2023) dry season. With the recent rainfall and mountain runoff, an additional unit was activated, leading to a remarkable 168% increase in production within a few days. The cost of generating electricity at the Kaptai hydropower station is only 35-40 paisa per unit, significantly lower than gas (3 taka 46 paisa), coal (9 taka 17 paisa), and furnace oil (22 taka 10 paisa) power plants.
During the dry season, a single unit generated 25 MW, which slightly increased to 30-35 MW with the recent rainfall. However, the power department has now started two units, totaling 67 MW, and plans to gradually activate the remaining units for maximum production. The electricity distribution report of Chittagong Southern region showed that on June 19, the centers of Chittagong produced 1,077 MW of electricity, while the demand reached 1,292 MW at 11 am and 1,273 MW at 7 pm.
The water level in Kaptai Lake, which affects production, rose from 74.23 MSL (mean sea level) to 75.20 MSL on June 20, against the rule curve target of 81.03 MSL. The power department anticipates producing over 200 units of electricity per day when all units are operational and the water level reaches 80 MSL. Regular rainfall in the hilly areas is expected to contribute to an increase in the rule curve within a week.
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