Bangladesh: 765 kV Transmission System Madunaghat – Bhulta Project

DESCRIPTION

The subject project aims to build ultra-high voltage (765kV) electricity transmission corridor between Chittagong and Dhaka, which are Bangladesh’s major economic centers. The use of ultra-high voltage line will (a) help avoid building more lesser voltage transmission lines, thus saving valuable land and minimizing negative social impacts in a densely populated area; (b) allow the transmission of high volumes of electricity for the needs of a rapidly developing economy; and (c) improve reliability and decrease system losses. This will be the first 765kV transmission systems project in Bangladesh making it important for development partners like us to be involved in the project preparation stage.

The Special Fund grant will support project preparation activities including consulting services for: (a) preparation of feasibility studies and power sector assessment; (b) preparation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments; (c) procurement assessment and planning; and (d) economic and financial analyses. The Special Fund grant will also support institutional capacity building and trainings of staff of Power Grid Company of Bangladesh for developing ultra-high voltage transmission lines.