Bangladesh Activates AGC to Stabilise Grid Before Rooppur

Bangladesh has introduced Automatic Generation Control (AGC) in its national power system, marking a key step to strengthen grid stability ahead of integrating the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

The move was confirmed by Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, which said the system was activated on April 28 and 29 under the supervision of the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC), with support from the Bangladesh Power Development Board and participation from multiple power plants.

AGC acts as a secondary frequency control system, working alongside the already operational Free Governor Mode of Operation (FGMO), which serves as the primary control layer. Officials said running both systems together has significantly improved grid frequency stability during testing.

So far, 12 power plants have been brought under the AGC framework, while FGMO has already been implemented in 30 plants as part of ongoing grid modernisation efforts.

Both systems are part of the broader Bangladesh Power System Reliability and Efficiency Improvement Project, which also included upgrades to the NLDC’s energy management system.

Maintaining stable grid frequency requires sufficient spinning reserve, or standby generation capacity that can be quickly deployed. With AGC and FGMO in place, power plants can automatically adjust output in real time to match demand, ensuring smoother grid operations.

Authorities said continued operation of these systems, along with adequate reserve capacity, will help create the conditions needed for the safe and reliable integration of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant into the national grid.