Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) has undergone a remarkable transformation in just a few months.
the company overcame coal shortages, financial constraints, and operational challenges to bring both units to full capacity, raising availability from about 45% to over 90% and delivering the highest monthly generation in Bangladesh.
an interview highlighted that not only strategic financial interventions and disciplined operations, but also a commitment to environmental compliance, safety, and a long-term partnership with Bangladesh, underscoring how MSTPP is now powering progress with responsibility. Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Ltd (BIFPCL) Managing Director R. Sarangapani shared his insights with Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain.
in the last few months, MSTPP has made significant progress.
tell us something about this turnaround.
at the time of my joining BIFPCL in March this year, there was no coal stock, with only one unit running in the last few months. With sustained efforts from my team, especially finance, we secured additional working capital more than double the existing amount, enabling continuous coal supply for sustained generation.
as a result, both units are running to full capacity from April to May. Our availability has improved from nearly 45% to more than 90%. In the last month, we generated more than 700 MUs, the highest monthly generation by any plant supplying power to Bangladesh.
throughout the month, MSTPP consistently supported the national grid by contributing nearly 11.5% of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand. MSTPP has been delivering over 600 MUs or about 8% of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand regularly.
in short, we have been able to break the vicious cycle.
at the same time, we have greatly improved our debt obligations. We have been able to service the periodic installments to the lender, and as of now, there is no outstanding amount. What does this milestone mean for Bangladesh’s energy landscape? It’s a significant achievement for Bangladesh.
it adds a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly base-load capacity to the grid, which is critical for sustaining economic growth, industrialization, and rural electrification.
it also exemplifies successful Indo-Bangla cooperation in large-scale infrastructure development.
the joint venture nature of BIFPCL, between NTPC and BPDB, is unique. Has this model worked in practice? Absolutely.
the joint venture combines NTPC’s global-class engineering, safety, and project execution expertise with BPDB’s deep understanding of the local landscape.
this synergy has ensured that the project meets international benchmarks while being fully integrated with Bangladesh’s power sector needs.
it’s a model worth replicating. How do you see BIFPCL’s role in Bangladesh’s energy future? BIFPCL is not just a project developer; it is a long-term strategic energy partner for Bangladesh. We aim to ensure uninterrupted, affordable, and reliable power. Beyond MSTPP, we are evaluating options for diversification, including renewables and cleaner technologies, in alignment with Vision 2041 and Sustainable Development Goals.
the project faced criticism related to environmental concerns, especially due to its proximity to the Sundarbans. What steps has BIFPCL taken to address these concerns? Environmental compliance has been a cornerstone of this project. We’ve adopted ultra-supercritical technology, installed integrated Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), and Low-NOx burners.
a 275-meter chimney ensures efficient emission dispersion.
independent audits and regular inspections confirm our compliance. We are continuously meeting all the environmental parameters, which are independently sent to the pollution board periodically. We’ve also undertaken extensive tree plantation, biodiversitypreservation, and CSR activities in nearby communities. Power plants globally are under increasing pressure to decarbonize. How does a coal-based plant like MSTPP stay relevant in this context? Developing countries like Bangladesh still need base-load capacity to support growth. MSTPP uses one of the cleanest and most efficient coal technologies available today. It serves as a transitional source of power while the country builds up its renewable infrastructure.
there are various options available for reducing carbon footprint and aligning with global energy transitions like biomass co-firing and flue gas carbon capture.
these alternatives need detailed discussions with the government. What steps has BIFPCL taken to ensure safety, especially during plant commissioning and early operations? Safety is non-negotiable at BIFPCL. We’ve implemented an integrated safety management system modeled on NTPC’s framework, conducted intensive training for all staff and contractors, and established a strong culture of incident reporting and proactive risk mitigation. From a project management perspective, what lessons have been learned from implementing a megaproject like MSTPP in a foreign country? Executing a project of this scale outside one’s home country brings unique challenges-cultural, logistical, and regulatory. Key lessons include the importance of local partnerships, strong stakeholder engagement, flexibility in execution strategy, and adaptability to changing conditions.
the pandemic, for instance, tested our resilience, but we adapted swiftly and delivered.
there have been reports about disruptions in coal supply and working capital challenges.
is the plant’s operation at risk? Coal availability at sea has never been an issue.
occasionally, siltation in the channel or delays in payments have impacted unloading. However, we’ve managed operations with careful planning, coordination with MPA, and proactive procurement.
on working capital, as already told, we were able to secure sufficient value for sustaining operations. We are also planning for an enhancement to improve the situation.
there’s talk about delays in payments to coal suppliers and EPC contractors. How is BIFPCL managing its financial obligations? We’ve regularly closed our LTRs with banks and continue to meet all debt servicing obligations to EXIM Bank of India. Local liquidity issues have created temporary stress, but we are actively pursuing working capital solutions through both government and banking channels. Financial prudence and transparency guide all our actions. Critics argue that BIFPCL has created a financial burden on the government. How do you respond? That’s a misperception. MSTPP was financed via soft loans from EXIM Bank of India under sovereign arrangements. The electricity it produces offsets more expensive generation sources, helping keep tariffs stable.
over its life cycle, the project is cost-efficient and vital for national energy security.
it’s not a burden-it’s an investment in the future.
the media has often portrayed the plant as controversial. Why do you think this narrative persists? Large projects inevitably attract scrutiny. In this case, some early concerns were amplified before full facts were available. We have consistently complied with all environmental and regulatory norms.
as people now see the plant operating safely and contributing to local development, the narrative is shifting positively.
there’s often criticism in the media regarding the salaries and perks of expatriates at BIFPCL. How do you justify this in a developing country like Bangladesh? Expatriate staff from NTPC bring decades of global project execution and OandM experience.
their contributions ensured timely commissioning and operational excellence.
their remuneration follows NTPC’s salary structure and global deputation policy, and as per the agreed bilateral framework. More importantly, they are building capacity among local engineers to ensure longterm sustainability. We are the only plant among similar-sized coal plants in Bangladesh where the desk operations are managed by local people recruited by the company under the supervision of expatriates.
it’s an investment in knowledge transfer, not an overhead. Beyond power generation, what kind of community engagement or CSR initiatives is BIFPCL undertaking in the region? We are deeply committed to the communities around us. BIFPCL has built the Maitree School, supported healthcare camps, and initiated vocational training and skill development programs.
our CSR is not just about infrastructure-it’s about creating inclusive opportunities. What has been the biggest challenge during your tenure at BIFPCL? Balancing the expectations of multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment- while maintaining technical, financial, and environmental performance-has been both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding experience. Leading a project of this complexity across borders has been an honor. What are the plans for BIFPCL beyond MSTPP? Any renewable energy aspirations? We’re exploring renewable options such as solar hybrids, battery storage, and even carbon capture.
as Bangladesh progresses toward a sustainable energy mix, BIFPCL intends to be a contributor-building on the foundation laid by MSTPP.
one final question-what is your message to the people of Bangladesh? Thank you for your trust and support. MSTPP was built with vision, dedication, and shared purpose. BIFPCL will continue to deliver power reliably, responsibly, and sustainably. We look forward to being an inseparable and integral part of Bangladesh’s energy journey in the years to come.