After a month-long halt due to a coal shortage, the Matarbari Coal Power Plant in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, is ready to resume production. Fresh coal supplies will allow operations to resume on Saturday, November 30.
On Wednesday morning, an Indonesian-flagged vessel carrying 70,000 tons of coal docked at the power plant’s jetty. Another ship loaded with 66,000 metric tons of coal will also arrive from Indonesia on Sunday.
According to Manowar Hossain Mazumder, Site Operations Superintendent at the Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL), the plant’s first unit, capable of generating 600 megawatts, will be operational starting Saturday.
He added, “After resolving legal issues, we have signed a contract with Meghna Group and Birla, a joint venture, to import 3.5 million metric tonnes of coal annually. The current shipment marks the start of regular coal supply.”
The plant, which has two units with a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts, had been completely shut down since October 31 due to the coal shortage.
With the resumption of production, the Matarbari power plant is expected to significantly contribute to the national grid, ensuring a steady supply of electricity while addressing growing energy demands.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
