Mathematical modeling for optimum generation mix of the power sector of Bangladesh

Abstract

In an age of scientific advancement and industrial revolution, electricity is now considered the prime mover of all development. There is till to date no alternative to electricity to accelerate as well as to ensure any type of development. The growth of almost all the sectors of economy of a country depends on uninterrupted power supply. In such a situation Bangladesh is suffering from generating necessary electricity and this not the only problem, there should be enough electricity to bring success in the development of all sphere of social, economic, industrial, cultural, educational and domestic uses of life. In Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) is responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the whole country. BPDB has the over all authority and control in this sector. BPDB is responsible for distribution of electricity in most areas of the country except Dhaka Metropolitan city and its adjoining areas and some of the rural areas. Responsibility of distribution in and around Dhaka Metropolitan area lies with Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) and Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) and the country side to Rural Electrification Board (REB). According to BPDB the per capita generation of electricity in Bangladesh is as low as 136 Kilo watt-hour (kwh) and only 30% of the population is served with electricity. Quite a number of plants are going to retire in the present five year plan which makes the scenario even bleaker. To cope with the increased demand of electricity in terms of per capita consumption and retirement of old power plants after their economic life cycle, a large amount of new capacity is to be built. As part of reform in the power sector, private power policy was approved by the Government in the month of October, 1996. Incentive packages in terms of exemption of tax and vat on imported capital machinery and equipment, spare parts etc. is being offered to the Independent power producer (IPP). In this thesis linear Programming model is applied to developing an expansion. program for power sector of Bangladesh. The result of the linear Programming model represents optimum operating schedules. It also shows the generation mix of various power plants at various loads through out the year in the future planning period.