Change in Dhaka city’s power system network and beyond expected by end 2024: Chinese official

A radical change will take place in the power system of Dhaka city and its adjacent Narayanganj after the full implementation of the project titled "Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network" which will be the main foundation of digital Dhaka city, says a senior Chinese official.

"Over 70 percent work of the project has so far been completed," Director, International Market Management of TBEA's Ma said.

He said the whole project will be completed and delivered to Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) by the end of 2024.

Director Ma said TBEA is working under a $1.65 billion project under which several subprojects are being implemented.

The project is the largest power cooperation project between the two governments of Bangladesh and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The implementation of the project will enable the power grid system to be of better quality and serve the government departments and people of Bangladesh and better promote the social and economic development of Bangladesh, said the Chinese side.

TBEA, an international service provider of system solutions for global energy industry, dedicated to green and low-carbon development, with more than 24,000 employees from 24 countries, sees this project under the "Belt and Road Initiative" cooperation and development between China and Bangladesh.

Under the project, a total of 44 substations are being set up, Director Ma said.

Overhead cables of Hatirjheel Lake and Dhanmondi residential area will be laid underground.

Bangladesh termed the project as a historic one for Dhaka as funding for this project was signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China which was witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The government of Bangladesh thinks the project will play a vital role to modernise and digitise the power distribution network of Dhaka city as some substation will be constructed underground saving the land.

While briefing a visiting Bangladesh media delegation at TBEA Co, Ltd, its Director Ma said in 2022 the company had assets worth 198 billion yan and made profits worth 28.6 billion yan which is 122 percent higher compared to previous year.