The technology group Wärtsilä has been awarded to supply a 78 MW engine power plant on a fast-track basis in order to support the growth of an industrial complex in Bangladesh. The order was placed in November by Jamuna Power, a part of the Jamuna Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial conglomerates. The plant will be installed at the Jamuna Industrial Park project in the northeastern part of the country, and it will operate on eight Wärtsilä 34SG engines fueled by gas.

The industrial park is currently operating on electricity from the national grid. However, as more and more factories are being built, independent power generation is needed to ensure a reliable supply of electricity, and to control the cost of that supply. The continued development of the complex is largely dependent upon having an own power plant for the industrial units, which is why Wärtsilä’s ability to deliver on a fast-track basis was an important factor in the award of the contract.

“An uninterrupted power supply is a basic need for industry, and to ensure this we need to have our own captive plant. Wärtsilä has a strong presence in Bangladesh with a first-rate track record and excellent support capabilities. What is more, they can deliver the plant quickly. It was an easy decision for us to choose Wärtsilä,” said Mr Shamim Islam, Managing Director, Jamuna Power Ltd.

Government of Bangladesh has set as target to minimise the environmental impact of power production in the country. As gas supply infrastructure already exists at the location, choosing gas engines was a natural choice to power the industrial park. Steam produced by the engines will be used in various industrial processes within the complex, which will enhance the operational efficiency of the plant.

“Economic growth is difficult to achieve unless the power supply can be relied on, and the need in this case is very clear. Since the Jamuna Industrial Park is a large local employer, jobs also depend on the new power plant. So in addition to environmental and business considerations, also for social reasons we are happy to be selected as the supplier,” said Jillur Rahim, Managing Director, Wärtsilä Bangladesh.

Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment will be completed during the first half of 2020, and the plant is expected to become fully operational in early 2021.

Wärtsilä currently has in excess of 4900 MW of installed or ordered power generating capacity in Bangladesh. Of these plants, approximately a quarter are operated and maintained under contract by Wärtsilä. With the new order included, 84 Wärtsilä 34SG gas engines will be in use in Bangladesh.