The power distribution companies will require for supplying additional 1800 megawatts of electricity in 2024 for boro paddy irrigation purpose thanks to line ups more pumps for approval compared than current year.
The ministry of power, energy and mineral resources disclosed it on Thursday after an inter ministerial meeting chaired by power division senior secretary Md Habibur Rahman.
“We have so far connected 487,851 electricity based power pumps….but another 9432 connections in pending…..so distribution companies will require 17800MW of electricity in the coming boro irrigation in 2024, up to 1800MW last irrigation period,” Power Division senior secretary Md Habibur Rahman said on Thursday.
He added the meeting has taken 17 decision to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity in coming boro irrigation season.
According to him, the maximum demand of electricity was 16000MW last April which will increase to 17800MW in the coming irrigation period of the same time.
He added the demand for natural gas during the boro irrigation period will be 1540mmcfd-1760mmcfd.
Besides, the furnace oil requirement will be 154,950 metric tons while another 15,600 metric tonnes of diesel will be required in the coming irrigation period.
Power division senior secretary Md Habibur Rahman stressed the need for duties for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of power to irrigation.
He also sought cooperation from the energy and mineral resources division (EMRD) for ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Attended at the meeting, EMRD secretary Md Nurul Alam said the BPC has sufficient stock of furnace oil and diesel and will able to supply as per the requirement.
The power division will encourage the farmers to use the irrigation during off-peak hours between 11:00PM in the evening and 7:00AM in the morning.
According to BPDB, the demand of electricity will push additional 347MW in January and 2590MW in May, 2024.
BPDB chairman Md Mahbubur Rahman, Petrobangla chairman Janendra Nath Sarker, Power Cell Director General Mohammed Hossain, representatives of shipping ministry, roads and highway department and different department attended at the meeting.
Highlights:
The demand to increase 17800MW in 2024 from 16000MW in 2023
17 decisions take to ensure uninterrupted power supply for paddy
The power division encourages off-peak power usage for irrigation
