Power Cell to deploy smart grid technology in Bangladesh Bangladesh – country flag and electricity pylons – 3D illustration

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded grant funding to Power Cell, a policy and planning agency under the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, to deploy smart grid technology for the country’s power grid.

A USTDA study will develop implementation plans for smart grid pilot projects with Dhaka Power Distribution Company and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh.

Power Cell selected Massachusetts-based Boston Consulting Group to carry out the assistance.

It will also recommend three smart grid investment priorities to benefit the entirety of Bangladesh’s transmission and distribution grid, as well as develop a training strategy to enable utilities to successfully operate and manage their smart grid technologies.

These priorities are based on the recommendations of Power Cell’s 10-year smart grid technology roadmap, which USTDA funded in 2022.

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“USTDA’s assistance will support the creation of a more efficient and dynamic power grid that will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and strengthen the delivery of electricity to the people of Bangladesh,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s director.

“Our partnership with Power Cell will enable Bangladesh to decide the most appropriate path and technologies for its smart grid infrastructure development. US companies are world leaders in this sector and will be eager to partner with Bangladesh on its priorities.”

“The first phase of this project showed us a path towards implementation of smart grid in Bangladesh power sector and identified the gaps in our system,” added Mohammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell.

According to Al Jazeerah reportage earlier this week, Bangladesh’s power grid has been facing the possibility of further power cuts due to high demand spurred by a fuel shortage.

The country has been experiencing erratic weather, such as a cyclone in April, which caused energy cuts and shutdown of power plants.

Commenting on the grant was Helen LaFave, deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during a virtual signing ceremony. “We all understand that renewable resources are the key for energy transition for Bangladesh, for South Asia and for the world…This grant will help Bangladesh prepare for its energy transition and prepare to integrate more intermittent energy resources into its national grid.”