High Performance Power Grid for Asia’s Fastest Growing Economy 

Without access to affordable and reliable electric energy, no country in the world can flourish in a global economy. Electricity is used to pump water to grow crops, manufacture products and provide energy to our homes, businesses and industry.

In Bangladesh, leaders are highly aware of this and the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh “PGCB” is working hard to modernize their electric power grid - helping Bangladesh develop the world’s fastest growing economy. 

One of the key components in PGCB’s plan is to use high-capacity, energy-efficient ACCC overhead powerline wire, also known as ACCC® Conductor.

The ACCC® Conductor uses a carbon fiber composite core to support high efficiency conductive aluminum strands. The composite core’s high strength and low coefficient of linear expansion allows the conductor to be strung in at tensions similar to tensions of conventional conductor between fewer and/or shorter structures to reduce capital costs, construction time frames, and visual and environmental impact.

In addition to offering greater strength and reliability the ACCC Conductor is also engineered to carry twice as much power as conventional all-aluminum and or steel reinforced aluminum conductors.

These characteristics are enabling PGCB to not only benefit building new lines, it’s also allowing them to upgrade their entire transmission grid in a very cost-effective manner, very quickly.

While the ACCC Conductor offers many performance benefits that include resistance to corrosion and cyclic load fatigue, one of its most important benefits is its efficiency. The ACCC Conductor selected by PGCB and more than 250 other international utilities also reduces electrical line losses by 25% or more compared to other conductors of the same diameter and weight.

Reduced line losses reduces fuel consumption and associated green-house gas emissions. This is not only helping deliver more power at lower costs, it’s also reducing the need to over invest in generation assets.

In fact, the ACCC Conductor’s improved efficiency has become a very attractive proposition for international funding institutions who are not only interested in helping economies flourish, they are also keen to leverage modern technologies to combat climate change.

One of the projects PGCB completed recently was the new 160 kilometer Payra to Gopalganj 400 kV transmission line. This line crossed four major rivers including Payra, Sandha, Sugandha, and Laukhali. While river crossings add some complexity to installation, the use of ACCC Conductor made these river crossings possible and reliable.

Md. Shafiqul Islam, Engineering Manager, GS Engineering and Construction stated: “This new 160 kilometer double circuit line currently runs from the 1320 megawatt Payra Thermal Power Station to Gopalganj. It was funded by the Government of Bangladesh and will ultimately be extended to deliver power to Dhaka City. The crews were very efficient and cooperative and completed the project on schedule, even in spite of four challenging river crossings.”

The dedication of PGCB’s engineers and installation crews paid off handsomely on this project and more than 40 other ACCC Projects in Bangladesh, thus far.

These projects are helping PGCB deliver more power, more reliably, and at lower costs to the citizens and industries in Bangladesh - while helping improve the quality of life for millions of people.

A very impressive and wise investment for all - that will certainly serve as an example for many other countries that have similar aspirations.