The project featuring a patented air-cooled generator will increase the national electricity output by 640 million kWh annually.

Shanghai Electric’s 225MW combined cycle power plant in Sylhet featuring patented air-cooled generator will increase the national electricity output by 640 million kWh annually

Shanghai Electric Group, the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of power generation and industrial equipment, announced today that its first combined cycle power plant (CCPP) in Bangladesh has entered into commercial operation. Converted from a 150MW simple cycle gas turbine power plant, the 225MW combined cycle power plant in Sylhet is projected to continuously meet electricity demands in the eastern region of Bangladesh.

Upgraded Technology

The plant's upgraded CCPP technology allows for reduced emissions while ensuring higher thermal efficiency. Featuring a 100MW GVPI air-cooled generator, the plant is designed to operate for its entire life without the need for rewedding or retightening its laminated core: This is a significant achievement, given the plant's capacity has been increased by 90MW with fewer maintenance requirements. In the eight years prior to the upgrade, the plant has provided 8.19 billion kWh electricity to the national grid, and this figure is estimated to increase by 640 million kWh on an annual basis.

By leveraging its patented GVPI (Global Vacuum Pressure Impregnation) technology on the 100 MW air-cooled generator, Shanghai Electric has substantially improved on the efficiency of the original plant's simple, open-cycle application from 33% to 55%. This notable increase in efficiency demonstrates the depth of Shanghai Electric's product portfolio and the strength of its research and development (R&D) program.

Partnership with The Power Development Board (PDB)

The upgrade project was undertaken through a partnership between the region's Power Development Board (PDB) and Shanghai Electric. It was the Company's fourth EPC project in Bangladesh, initiated under the "One Belt One Road" Initiative. In 2010, following the Barapukuria thermal power plant, the initial simple cycle power plant of Sylhet was the second EPC project designed and constructed by Shanghai Electric in the country.

The Middle and Affluent (MAC) population in Bangladesh is set to increase to 34 million in 33 cities by 2025, according to estimates by Boston Consulting Group. Influenced by rapid economic growth along with a growing MAC population, demand for electricity has been growing at a fast pace, predicted to reach 80,000MW by 2040. The new excess generation capacity is expected to facilitate economic development and industry.

The project will also play an essential role in the social development of the region. Shanghai Electric is committed to investing in the region and hiring personnel from the local community. Half of the project team were hired locally, employing almost 500 local workers and is set to increase during its peak construction period.

"Retrofitting the gas turbine generator technology to convert from simple, open-cycle systems to combined-cycle operation requires skill and dedicated service, and we have built solid experience through overall 5 projects in Bangladesh so far since 2002," said Wang Yi, the chief engineer of Sylhet project. "We are always looking ahead to anticipate the client's needs and improve the availability, reliability, and efficiency through a customized solution designed for different regional markets."

About Shanghai Electric

Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) is principally engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of power equipment and industrial equipment. It focuses on new energy business, including the manufacture and sale of wind turbine and components as well as nuclear power equipment; clean energy business, including the manufacture and sale of thermal power equipment, power transmission and distribution equipment; industrial equipment, including the production and sale of elevators and electric motors; and modern service industry, including the contracting of construction of power generation plants, power transmission, and distribution projects as well as other businesses. For more information, please visit www.shanghai-electric.com .

(Image from Shanghai Electric)

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