Thermodynamic analysis and sustainable development goals (SDGs) implementation of a steam power plant in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s limited natural gas reserves and increasing energy demand make it challenging to achieve long-term development goals in the energy sector. While many studies have been performed on plant performance, only a limited number have investigated how detailed component-level thermodynamic inefficiencies link to broader sustainability outcomes. It is essential to bridge this gap in order to develop more detailed and effective strategies for sustainable energy systems. This study bridges the critical research gap by conducting an extensive analysis of the energy, exergy, exergo-environmental, and exergetic sustainability of a 24 MW natural gas-based steam power plant in Bangladesh. The analysis is based on real-time SCADA data collected from key components, including the boiler, turbine, economizer, condenser, condensate extraction pump, feed water pump, polish water pump, and deaerator. This study builds upon previous efforts by directly linking component-level thermodynamic performance to the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9, 12, and 13). As a result, sustainability evaluations can be put into practice above their conceptual basis, and an uncertainty analysis is included that strengthens and clarifies the thermodynamic evaluation. According to the analysis, the plant’s overall energy efficiency is approximately 48.83 %, and its exergy efficiency is 23.94 %, indicating significant room for improvement in reducing irreversibilities. Specific components, particularly the economizers and condensate extraction pump, exhibit the highest energy dissipation and lowest efficiency, respectively. The calculated sustainability index is 1.47, indicating a moderate level of sustainable performance and the system requires improvements for better performance. These thermodynamic results are quantitatively matched to the specified SDGs and their particular indicators that provide practical implications such as Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable industrial innovation (SDG 9), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). It provides a practical framework and replicable methodology for policymakers and energy managers to align operational decisions with broader sustainability goals, accelerating advancements toward cleaner and more resilient energy infrastructure. However, this study suggests actionable strategies and regulatory actions that ensure and enhance energy efficiency, drive innovation and infrastructure development, promote responsible consumption, and support climate action for steam power plants in emerging economies. It provides a detailed component-by-component thermodynamic analysis relevant to SDG standards. The findings of this study support the importance of strategic energy management, upgrading technology, and the necessity for innovative policies to establish more sustainable and resilient power generation in emerging economies like Bangladesh.