State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the use of modern technology was essential to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The power sector is constantly growing, and the importance of using advanced technology in its management is increasing day by day.
He made the remarks at an online signing ceremony on Wednesday (February 9).
An agreement was signed between the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Power Cell to provide technical assistance (TA) for the reform of Bangladesh's power sector and the inclusion of power grids in smart grids.
Speaking as the chief guest, he said the smart road map would identify short, medium and long term challenges in the power sector of Bangladesh and accelerate the utilization of resources and development of the power sector. The exchange of US knowledge and ideas will make our grid more reliable and resilient by opening up new horizons.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide 14 lakh 90 thousand 800 dollar in grants for technical assistance. Technical support will include smart grid implementation roadmap, high-level legal, regulatory and institutional review, existing infrastructure, space and resource assessment, environmental and social impact assessment, stakeholder involvement and capacity building and risk analysis. It will also work with technology, financial and economic capabilities. Boston Consulting Group has been selected to implement.
Among others who spoke on the occasion were Power Secretary Habibur Rahman, Director General of Power Cell Mohammad Hossain, Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Bangladesh Hanspol Berkner, Global Chairman of Boston Consulting Group Zarif Munir and Senior Partner of Boston Consulting Group Vinai Themmalapali.