Nasrul: Importing 2,656 MW thermal power from India

State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, stated on Sunday that 2,656 megawatts (MW) of thermal power is currently being imported from India. He mentioned that the country has 141 thermal power plants with a total capacity of 23,159 MW, and in addition to these, 2,656 MW of thermal power is being imported from India. This information was provided in response to a supplementary question raised by Mohammad Saiful Islam during the question-answer session at the Jatiya Sangsad. The State Minister further elaborated that the government has plans for the construction of 18 thermal power plants with a total capacity of 11,303 MW, currently in various stages of construction and tender processes. Additionally, there are 13 thermal power plants under construction with a total capacity of 9,083 MW, and these are expected to be launched between 2024 and 2027 in different parts of the country, including Matarbari, Gazipur, Syedpur, Ghorashal, Mymensingh, Rupsha, Rampal, Patuakhali, Meghnaghat, Keraniganj, and Chattogram. Furthermore, tenders for the construction of five thermal power plants with a total capacity of 2,220 MW are currently in various stages, and these are projected to be launched between 2026 and 2030 in different parts of the country, such as Fenchuganj, Ghazaria, Mirsharai, Meghnaghat, and Raozan. In response to another question from lawmaker Jannat Ara Henry, Nasrul Hamid highlighted the government's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and expand solar power as an alternative energy source. He mentioned that various solar power plants with a combined capacity of 971.70 MW have been established, and activities are ongoing to promote solar energy. As part of these initiatives, a solar power plant with a peak capacity of 7.6 MW has been set up on the bank of the Jamuna River in Sirajganj Sadar Upazila, with electricity already being supplied to the national grid.