Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has directed authorities to modernise and secure the country’s electricity transmission and distribution system as the nation prepares to enter the era of nuclear energy.
Speaking at a high-level power sector review meeting in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud instructed power sector agencies and companies to prepare detailed working papers on transforming the existing electricity network into a safer, smarter and more advanced system capable of handling nuclear power generation.
The meeting brought together chairmen and managing directors of transmission and distribution companies under the Power Division to assess the country’s current electricity infrastructure, weaknesses in the grid system and the challenges of integrating nuclear energy into the national power network.
The minister said Bangladesh must identify potential risks and begin immediate preparations to avoid disruptions when nuclear power generation comes online.
“Before entering the nuclear power era, we need to ensure our transmission and distribution systems are fully prepared, modernised and secure,” he said.
Mahmud stressed the importance of establishing a National Research Centre to strengthen technical preparedness for the highly sophisticated nuclear energy system.
He said the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) had been instructed to conduct studies and prepare a concept paper, which would later be reviewed by foreign consultants experienced in nuclear power systems.
According to the minister, the government plans to upgrade the country’s transmission and distribution infrastructure based on those recommendations before nuclear electricity is added to the grid.
Bangladesh has already diversified its power mix from gas-based generation to coal and solar energy and is now moving toward nuclear power, he added.
However, Mahmud warned that synchronising transmission and distribution systems would be critical to avoiding grid instability or possible system collapse.
He criticised the previous Awami League government for failing to establish an effective synchronisation mechanism between different parts of the power network.
“If these systems are not properly synchronised, it could lead to system collapse,” he said, adding that authorities were now working to establish a “smart system” to prevent such incidents.
The minister directed PGCB engineers and officials to submit a detailed concept and working paper on the proposed smart grid system as quickly as possible.
He also emphasised that public safety must remain the highest priority because of the complex and high-tech nature of nuclear energy systems.
The meeting reviewed measures already taken to ensure the smooth integration of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant into the national grid, including the introduction of Primary and Secondary Frequency Control systems at the power station.
Participants also discussed existing challenges and future steps needed to strengthen the power system. Key issues included ensuring adequate spinning reserve through greater participation of power plants, implementing smart grid technology, improving the overall electricity distribution network, introducing a Distribution Management System (DMS), removing bottlenecks in transmission lines, and controlling sharp fluctuations in electricity demand caused by distribution line outages and tripping during adverse weather conditions.
Relevant agencies were instructed to work in a coordinated manner and take swift and effective measures to address these challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister said the government remained committed to ensuring a safe, uninterrupted and affordable electricity supply for the public through necessary infrastructure development and enhanced technical capacity.
During the meeting, Mahmud said unnecessary projects in the power sector had already been identified and those responsible would face investigation and possible action.
Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Engineer Md Rezaul Karim and PGCB Chief Engineer Md Manzurul Islam briefed the minister on existing power sector capacity, challenges and ongoing development plans. Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh was also present at the meeting.