Investigating Reserve Margin of Electricity Generation in Bangladesh

Abstract

The power sector is essential for the sustainable development of any nation. This study examines various indicators within the power sector, including installed capacity, demand, generation, and shortages of electricity in Bangladesh. A comprehensive analysis of the reserve margin, defined as the unused available capacity of electric power expressed as a percentage of the total capacity in Bangladesh, is conducted. It is observed that the maximum generation and the electricity demand have not increased in line with the rising installed capacity. Over the past decade, the maximum electricity generation has fluctuated between 60% and 70% of the total installed capacity. The reserve margin calculated in this study ranged from 30% to 57.59% during the last ten years.  Despite a relatively high reserve margin, electricity shortages relative to demand remain a persistent issue in Bangladesh. The excess power generation capacity is not being utilized effectively, leading to increased costs for consumers and placing an economic burden on the population. It is expected that the stable and reliable electricity generation from the nuclear power and renewable energy in Bangladesh will improve the reserve margin. Policymakers in the power sector should conduct a critical assessment of the electricity generation reserve margin to prevent unnecessary investments in new power plants in Bangladesh.