Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has ordered to make the power transmission and distribution system of the country more secure, smart and up-to-date before entering the era of nuclear power. He said, “Necessary development and modernization of the existing infrastructure must be ensured in line with the high-tech nuclear power system.”
He gave this instruction in a review meeting held with the chairmen and managing directors (MD) of transmission and distribution related organizations and companies under the power department at the meeting room of the ministry on Monday (June 8). In the meeting, the country's existing electricity transmission and distribution capacity, existing weaknesses, smart grid system, potential challenges of nuclear power integration and necessary preparations were discussed in detail.
The minister said, “Before entering the era of nuclear power generation, all possible challenges and risks must be identified and prepared to face them quickly. He also highlighted the need to establish a National Research Center to make the power system more secure and modern.”
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said, “Nuclear power is a very high-tech system. So we have to complete the necessary preparations before the production starts. We have already started that preparation.”
He said that the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) has been instructed to prepare a concept paper by conducting the necessary survey. Later, the concept paper will be evaluated by international consultants experienced in nuclear power management. As per their recommendations, necessary development and modernization activities of power transmission and distribution system will be implemented.
“From gas-based power generation, we are gradually moving towards versatile energy sources like coal, solar power and now nuclear power. But effective coordination and synchronization of transmission and distribution infrastructure is crucial for such a power system,” the minister said.
He mentioned, “Sufficient preparations and coordination have not been developed in this regard in the past. As a result, necessary steps must be taken now to avoid any type of system disaster in the future. For this purpose, initiatives have been taken to develop a modern and effective smart grid system.”
In the meeting, the Minister directed the Chief Engineer and concerned officials of PGCB to present a detailed concept and working paper on Smart Grid system. An action plan and recommendations are assured to be presented quickly in this regard.
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said, “Nuclear power is very important to us. However, as it is a complex and highly technical system, utmost precautions and preparations must be ensured. People's safety is our highest priority.”
He also said that various unnecessary projects undertaken in the power sector have already been identified. Investigations will be conducted to determine the responsibilities of those associated with these projects and necessary measures will be taken.
At the end of the meeting, the minister urged all concerned to work together with patriotism and professional sense of responsibility for the sustainable development and modernization of the power sector.
In the meeting, the Chairman of the Electricity Development Board, Engineer Md. Rezaul Karim, Chief Engineer of PGCB. Manjurul Islam informed the Minister about the current capacity, challenges and ongoing development activities of the power sector. Besides, the Secretary of Electricity Mirana Mahrukh was present.
