Since July 2016, NHRI Department of River and Harbor Engineering has undertaken the research relevant to hydrology for PAYRA Coal-Fired Power Plant with a total installed capacity of 2×660 MW in Bangladesh. From Dec. 31, 2016 to Jan. 1, 2017, NHRI researchers conducted 30 hours’ field hydrological observation during spring tide in dry season continuously in Bangladesh.

The Plant, one of the projects to be funded by the Chinese loan agreement with a total amount of US$24 billion signed by President XI Jinping during his visit to Bangladesh, is the largest thermal power plant in the history of Bangladesh. It will be constructed by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd. in EPC pattern, and put into operation in October 2019 according to the schedule. 

The site infrastructure is relatively backward with inconvenient local transportation and material deprivation. During July - September 2016, deputy director of the Department XIA Yunfeng headed the research team for site survey and investigation, and successfully completed the hydrological observation of flood season at sea, overcoming the difficulties of big waves, torrential rains and hard living conditions. Hence safeguarded the measurement quality and research progress. And a good reputation of NHRI was gained.

Site hydrological survey has gained concerns and supports from NHRI and the Department. NHRI President ZHANG Jianyun gave concrete instructions to the field work several times, and sent his regards and New Year’s greetings to the researchers on the site.

As one of the strategic achievements of “One Belt and One Road” Initiative and the business card of “Made in China”, the construction of the Plant is of practical significance in promoting the economic development of Bangladesh and expending and deepening the bilateral cooperation in the electricity field. The field hydrological observation, numerical and physical modeling undertaken by NHRI will definitely provide an important technical support for the construction of PAYRA Plant, and play a positive role in continuing to develop overseas market of NHRI.