An aerial view of the S. Alam 2x660 MW Coal-fired Power Plant.
On Oct 22, the No. 1 unit of the S. Alam 2x660 MW Coal-fired Power Plant in Bangladesh successfully completed a 168-hour reliability trial run, 35 days ahead of schedule.
The plant's No. 2 unit successfully completed the 168-hour reliability trial run on Sept 17 of this year; 70 days ahead of schedule, meaning both units have now begun commercial operations.
The S. Alam project is the largest Chinese investment and financing project in Bangladesh, boasting the largest commercial operational scale and highest single-unit capacity among all coal-fired power projects in the country.
As a landmark project in the construction of the "Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor," it has garnered significant attention from the heads of China and Bangladesh. On Oct 14, 2016, the two countries' heads jointly witnessed the unveiling ceremony of the project, marking a significant milestone that further propelled the deepening of the partnership between China and Bangladesh.
The plant, located in Banshkhali, Chittagong, employs seawater DC cooling and seawater desulfurization technologies, not only showcasing China's capabilities to the world, but also contributing to the global outreach of various "Made in China" components, including boilers, turbines, generators, and other types of major equipment.
The plant is intended to serve as a strong example of a coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh and created over 10,000 direct jobs during peak construction periods as well as more than 40,000 indirect jobs, which significantly stimulated local employment and economic development.
With an annual power generation capacity of 10 billion kilowatt-hours, the plant will effectively reverse Bangladesh's ongoing power shortage, fostering local economic and social development. Additionally, it has played a crucial role in nurturing a large number of professionals in the construction and operation of similar power units in Bangladesh.
During construction, POWERCHINA practiced social responsibility by proactively assisting local residents in bridge and road construction, conducting charitable donations to combat the COVID-19epidemic, and providing educational and winter supplies to local schools.
