Overview
Barupukuria ST 1 is a 250 MW coal-fired power plant located in Bangladesh. It is operational and contributes to the country's baseload power generation capacity.
Barupukuria ST 1 is a coal-fired power plant located in the Dinajpur District of Bangladesh, near the Barapukuria coal mine. With a capacity of 250 MW, it is a medium-scale facility within the country's power generation sector. The plant plays a key role in supplying electricity to the national grid, supporting industrial and residential demand. The plant operates on subcritical technology, typical for coal plants of its era. Bangladesh's power sector is regulated by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and follows national environmental standards. Coal-fired generation in Bangladesh is subject to emissions limits for SOx, NOx, and particulates, though enforcement and monitoring vary. As a coal-based facility, Barupukuria ST 1 has a significant carbon footprint and contributes to local air quality concerns. Its proximity to populated areas necessitates careful management of emissions and ash disposal. The plant's operation is integral to Bangladesh's energy mix, providing reliable baseload power while the country expands renewable energy sources.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion releases CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, impacting local air quality. Located in a region with agricultural activity, emissions may affect soil and water resources. Bangladesh's regulatory framework includes the Environment Conservation Act and Clean Air Act, but enforcement remains a challenge. The plant's age and technology (subcritical) result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern supercritical or CCGT plants.
Frequently asked questions
Barupukuria ST 1 is located near the Barapukuria coal mine in the Dinajpur District of Bangladesh.
The plant has a capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale coal-fired power station.
Barupukuria ST 1 is a coal-fired power plant, using coal as its primary fuel source.
Coal power plants in Bangladesh must comply with the Environment Conservation Act and the Clean Air Act, which set limits on emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulates. However, enforcement can be inconsistent.
Barupukuria ST 1 provides baseload power to the national grid, helping to meet the country's growing electricity demand. It operates alongside other coal, gas, and renewable sources.