M2K TECHNOLOGY & TRADING CO., BANGLADESH.

M2K TECHNOLOGY & TRADING CO. PTE LTD., SINGAPORE.

BANGLADESH: Amin Court Building (2nd floor), 62-63 Motijheel Commercial Area, Dhaka -1000, Bangladesh. Tel :+880-2-5716-0955 Fax : +880-2-5716-0966 E-mail : [email protected] SINGAPORE:

Block 428, Clementi Avenue 3 # 10-430, Singapore-120428. Tel:+65-8299-8715 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.m2kttc.com

WE REPRESENT: Phenix Technologies Inc., USA.

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Doble Engineering Company., USA. www.doble.com

Vanguard Instruments Company Inc., USA.

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Globecore GmbH, Germany.

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Larsen & Toubro Limited, India. www.lntebg.com

Powerchina Nuclear Engineering Company Limited, P.R. China. www.powerchina-ne.com

Editor Mollah M Amzad Hossain Fortnightly Magazine, Vol 19, Issue 4, August 1-15 Advisory Editor Anwarul Islam Tarek Mortuza Ahmad Faruque Saiful Amin International Editor Dr. Nafis Ahmed Contributing Editors Saleque Sufi Online Editor GSM Shamsuzzoha (Nasim) Managing Editor Afroza Hossain Electricity is now lighting every single house of Bangladesh. Prime Deputy Editor Syed Mansur Hashim Minister Sheikh Hasina has led this commendable achievement. She has Reporters really translated the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Arunima Hossain Rahman’s vision into reality — providing grid power to all at affordable Assistant Online Editor price. Some 99.8% of the population are now under the grid coverage. Aditya Hossain Bangladesh has achieved the success at a time when the country is Manager A & A Md. Ariful Islam celebrating its golden jubilee of independence. But there is still a black Design & Graphics spot — the electricity price now is considered not affordable. There is a Md. Monirul Islam reason to be critical about the price. In last 11 years, the bulk power Photography Bulbul Ahmed tariff increased by 111% and the retail price by 90%. It does not go in ’ Production line with the Bangabandhu s vision. Mufazzal Hossain Joy Computer Graphics Bangladesh has almost moved out of own fuel and increasingly getting Md. Uzzal Hossain dependent on imported fuel. Consequently, the generation cost as well Circulation Assistant as the retail price went up to a level, which experts consider, beyond Khokan Chandra Das the affordable limit. It’s the high time for the policy makers to think Editorial, News & Commercial Room 509, Eastern Trade Center about how the local energy resources could be utilized and the price of 56 Inner Circular Road (VIP Road) electricity be reduced to an affordable level. Naya Paltan. GPO Box : 677 Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Tel & Fax : 88-02-58314532 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.ep-bd.com Price Bangladesh: Tk 50, SAARC: US$ 6, Asia: US$ 8, Europe: US$ 10, North America, Africa & Australia: US$ 14

21 9 49 They suggested keeping in mind The Awami League government has Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already fulfilled one of the while formulating the master completely turned around from dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh plan that the world cannot Bangabandhu’s vision of mining own coal Mujibur Rahman — ensuring completely eliminate using the and using it for power generation. fossil fuel in near future and access to power for all. All out However, mining coal and burning it for endeavors are also directed for may not even by 2050. The power generation has become a global achieving his other unrealized master plan should be realistic concern. The use of coal as the cheapest visions. However, we need to and not prepared on the basis of mitigate the increasing reliance emotions. An implementable available option is uncertain. The capacity on imported fuel for achieving and role of BMEDC for exploration of coal sustainable supply of power at roadmap must also be included is also questionable. It has now turned into affordable price ... Mr Abul in the master plan facilitating Kalam Azad tells EP regular monitoring. an organization of no vision, no destination. Encouraged by the readers and patrons, the EP would continue bringing out Green Pages to contribute to the country’s efforts in its journey towards environment-friendly energy. Contents

43 Integrated Cooperation to Help Expand RE: Nasrul

44 Pakistan Moves Towards 60% Clean Energy by 2030

45 World’s Largest Rooftop PV Plant Powering Chinese Industrial Park

45 Sembcorp, PUB Open Tengeh Floating Solar Farm

Contents

5 WORLD WATCH 35 SDGs Latest Development in SDG­7 and UN High­Level World Dialogue on Energy Towards Affordable and Clean 6 SNAPSHOT Energy for All by 2030 Latest Development 39 REPORT 9 COVER Total Energies in $750MM+ Great Leader’s LNG Deal Farsightedness 40 Govt Allows Captive Plant at 15 COVER ARTICLE Araihazar EZ Bangabandhu and Oil, Gas & 41 Green Energy Share on Mineral Sector Development Strategies in Bangladesh Gradual Rise for Sustainable Fuel Mix: Nasrul 17 SPECIAL ARTICLE Daughter Implementing 46 CLIMATE Father’s Vision Financial Support to Climate Vulnerable Countries Urgent: 21 SPECIAL REPORT Shahab Uddin Experts for Power, Energy Integrated Master Plan 47 EU Unveils Plan to Increase 25 ARTICLE Renewables Share in Energy Bangabandhu and Power, Mix to 40% by 2030 Energy Sectors 48 COLUMN 29 RENEWABLE Our Homage to Bangabandhu Wind­Solar HPSs Can Help and His Energy Vision Cut Emissions 49 INTERVIEW 31 ARTICLE Abul Kalam Azad, Dream of Bangabandhu Distinguished Fellow of GCA Challenges and Opportunities and Special Envoy of CVF of Energy Securit Presidency Worldwatch

Asian Spot LNG Prices Rise Cabinet Eases Indian FDI Rules to Asian spot prices for liq- Aid BPCL Sale uefied natural gas (LNG) jumped this week to a India's federal cabinet approved plans recently to allow 100% more than six-month foreign direct investment in state-run oil companies in which high, as warm tempera- a strategic stake sale is announced, a move to help privatiza- tures drove up demand tion of Bharat Petroleum Corp, two government sources said. for the fuel used in elec- "Foreign investment up to 100% under automatic route is al- tricity generation, indus- lowed in cases where the government has accorded in-prin- try sources said. ciple approval for strategic disinvestment of the PSU (public The average LNG price for September delivery into Northeast sector undertaking) engaged in petroleum and natural gas sec- Asia LNG-AS was estimated at about $14.45 per metric million tor," said one of the sources. British thermal units (mmbtu), up $1.15 from the previous week, India so far allows 49% foreign direct investment in state-run and the highest since mid-January, the sources said. oil and gas companies. Temperatures in Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing - among the top con- The government wants to sell its near 53% stake in BPCL, sumers of LNG - are expected to stay above average over the India's second-largest state-run refiner, in this financial year next two weeks, weather data from Refinitiv Eikon showed. ending in March 2022, as part of plans to raise 1.75 trillion rupees ($23.5 billion) from stakes in companies. Natural gas prices in the United States and Europe are also high amid hotter weather. China's Guangzhou Gas is seeking a cargo for delivery in Au- Germany Loses Gazprom gust into the Dapeng terminal after earlier buying a cargo for delivery into Diefu at about $14.40 per mmBtu, sources said. Pipeline Appeal Pakistan LNG has sought four cargoes for delivery in Septem- Germany recently ber. lost its fight in Eu- rope's top court Hardeep Singh Puri to Take Charge against a ruling limit- ing Gazprom's ac- of India’s Petroleum Ministry cess to the OPAL pipeline that links Hardeep Singh Puri will now take charge of the Ministry of Pe- troleum and Natural Gas. the Russian gas pro- ducer's Nord Stream pipeline to the country. He has relinquished the portfolio of Civil Aviation but still hold the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. The case is part of a long-running dispute over the transporta- tion of Russian gas to Europe, which has pitted Poland and Puri succeeds Dharmendra Pradhan as India's new Petroleum other eastern European countries against Germany, the main and Natural Gas Minister. beneficiary of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The former diplomat has a tough task at hand with the global Nord Stream 2, a pipeline expansion that would double Russ- oil prices surging amid supply constraints and demand hopes. ian gas exports across the Baltic Sea, is controversial because Further, the ever-increasing domestic petrol and diesel prices it bypasses legacy gas routes via Poland and Ukraine. too would remain a key issue to deal with. The United States says the project undermines the security of Pradhan, off late was urging global oil exporters including the Ukraine. OPEC to gradually do away with the production cuts and help lower the surging oil prices. Germany appealed to the Luxembourg-based EU Court of Jus- Another major task at hand for Puri would be the privatization tice (CJEU) after a lower tribunal in 2019 annulled an EU de- of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) which has been de- cision allowing Gazprom to boost deliveries to Europe via the layed due to initial subdued interest among the investor frater- OPAL pipeline. nity coupled with the pandemic-induced slowdown. The tribunal ruling followed a Polish challenge to the Euro- The challenge must not be much different from his expe- pean Commission's decision. rience with the inordinately delayed privatization of Air India which he tried to achieve during his stint as the The CJEU rejected Germany's arguments that "energy solidar- Civil Aviation Minister. ity" is a political concept rather than a legal issue.

August 1, 2021 5 Snapshot Kupol Starts Shipping New Tretyakov Gallery Launches Equipment for RNPP Collection of Impressions on Izhevsk electromechan- Travelling Exhibition ical plant Kupol has shipped to its customer, Tretyakov Gallery in partnership with the Moscow Design Atomstroyexport com- Museum and ROSATOM State Corporation’s Engineering Di- pany, three recirculation vision launched the exhibition “Collection of Impressions. plants for Roopur Nu- Photographers and designers on travelling”. clear Power Plant The exposition displays 11 art installations of modern Russian (RNPP) in Bangladesh. designers and architects as well as photographs of the ASE In- This is the first part of a large order which is to be executed in ternational Photo Awards 2020 runners-up from India, the shortest time possible. Bangladesh, Egypt, Hungary, Finland, Turkey, Belarus, Uzbek- istan and Russia. IEMP Kupol (the part of Almaz-Antey Air Defense Corpora- tion) has produced equipment for NPPs more than five years. Industrial, graphic, book, furniture and light design items as This is one of the main directions of diversification. well as textiles and ceramics complement photographs, cre- ating new meanings and associations. Recirculation plants (RP) are a new high-technology product which will let strengthen the plant’s positions in the market of The exposition, designed by the prominent graphic artist Igor power engineering industry. Gurovich, presents the works of leading Russian designers and architects: Andrey Bartenev, Denis Simachev, Yaroslav Ras- The plants are designed to maintain specified air temperature sadin, Katya Bochavar, Svetlana Tegin, Sergey Smirnov, Vic- at NPPs. They work in containment area, i.e. a special con- toria Andreyanova, ARCHPOLE and many others. tainment building, where a reactor is located, and provide air cooling which is supplied to the systems responsible for the Viktor Osadchev’s music guides through the exposition, trans- reactor operation. porting the audience across the halls and taking it to imagi- nary trip from one continent to the other. The plant comprises a fan, air cooler a connector, a confusor, between them. The exhibition will run until September 26, 2021. The work of acceptance committee had been done before the shipment. The representatives of the institute-developer and Power Division Implements the organization took part in it. 97.74% of ADP in FY21 Couple Die from Autorickshaw The Power Division reached 97.74% and the Mineral Battery Blast Resources Division 104.27% of the annual develop- ment program (ADP) implementation target in the fiscal A young couple, receiving treatment at the Sheikh Hasina Na- year (FY) 2020-21. tional Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, have died from the burns they suffered after an autorickshaw battery exploded The performance of the two divisions under the Min- during recharging at Kamrangirchar in Dhaka recently. istry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources was dis- The dead have been identified as Abdul Matin, 40, and his closed recently at two separate virtual review meetings. wife Yasmin Akhtar Moina, 35. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Both Matin and Moina suffered burns on 95 per cent of their Nasrul Hamid spoke at the meetings. bodies. Their two daughters - Aysha, 6, and Maisha, 10, are being treated for their burn injuries at the hospital. At its meeting, the Power Division informed that it had received a budget of Tk. 24,768.22 crore under the re- The siblings suffered burns on 42 per cent of their bodies, doc- vised ADP of which it spent Tk. 23,079.60 crore to im- tors said. plement 97 projects and achieved 97.74% of the target. The explosion occurred at a two-storey building in the Kazi Goli area recently. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division had received Tk. 2,958.46 crore and spent Tk. Matin was re-charging the battery of his autorickshaw when 3,084.73 crore to implement 30 projects, reaching it exploded, sparking a fire on the ground floor of the building, said Kamrangirchar Police Inspector Mostofa Anwar. 104.27% of the target.

August 1, 2021 6

Snapshot BAEC Signs Deal with South Court Tells Govt to Get Serious Korean Research Institute About Renewables Responding to a petition seeking an order to protect vulnera- ble wildlife habitats, the High Court of Bangladesh has told policymakers in Dhaka to draw up a plan for 100% clean en- ergy. The International Renewable Energy Agency has estimated Bangladesh had 301 MW of grid-connected solar capacity at the end of 2020. The High Court of Bangladesh has responded to a petition seeking to protect the country's wetland habitats by calling on the government to prepare a masterplan to make the nation 100% powered by renewables. Citing the example set by Germany in raising the proportion of renewable energy generation in its national power mix, the court said Dhaka should formulate a renewable energy act and establish a renewables ministry and a renewable energy commission, to expedite clean power generation. The court issued the directives as it responded to a writ peti- tion filed by the Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) which successfully sought an order to save Bangladeshi wetlands. The Bangladeshi renewables industry applauded the court’s Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Bangladesh observation and said clean power lacked impetus because it Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) have signed a contract had not received enough promotion by the government. for renovating 3 MW BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor (BTRR), as Bangladesh and Korea step up efforts for the development Responsibility for clean power deployment currently sits with of peaceful nuclear energy. Bangladesh's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which still overwhelmingly focuses on conventional, fossil fuel power Dr Md Sanowar Hossain, chairman of BAEC, Dr PARK Won- generation, according to renewables-industry professionals. seok, president of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh, Lee Jang- Keun, were present at the virtual contract signing event recently. Regulator Re-fixes Retail The project includes the design, supply, installation, testing, LPG Price and commissioning of the digital I&C system of BTRR, which has been in operation since 1986. The duration of the project Consumers will have to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at is expected to be 18 months. a higher price from August 1 as the energy regulator recently re-fixed its retail price, supplied by private companies. The project became KAERI's 6th major technology export re- lated to research reactors, after its successful partnerships with The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has Jordan, Greece, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. re-fixed the 12kg LPG of private companies at Tk993, up by Tk102 from the current price of Tk891. It is also anticipated to be the stepping stone for further col- The LPG price is set to go higher for the second consecutive laboration between KAERI and BAEC, including future re- month. search reactor development in Bangladesh. Similarly, the higher prices will be rationally applicable for In his congratulatory remark, Ambassador Lee highlighted that the LPG of other quantity containers up to 45kg from 5.5kg. the contract marks the beginning of the Korea-Bangladesh part- nership in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and is opening a The BERC announced the new price of LPG adjusting with new chapter in the bilateral ties as both countries move towards Saudi Contract Price (CP) on the basis that the local LPG op- diversifying the areas of cooperation beyond the RMG sector. erators import the bulk petroleum gas from the Middle East. Ambassador Lee also noted that Korea, ranking 6th in the However, the price of LPG of the state-owned LP Gas Com- world in terms of the total capacity of nuclear power gener- pany Ltd will remain the same at Tk591 for 12.5 kg LPG as it ation, is a world leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy sells products from condensates produced in local gas fields from research to electricity production. and has no relation with Saudi CP.

August 1, 2021 8 Cover

Mollah Amzad Hossain

lectricity is now lighting every single house of EBangladesh, translating Bangabandhu’s vision into re- ality at a time when the coun- try is celebrating its golden jubilee of independence. Un- deniably, the dreamer’s daugh- ter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has led this commend- able achievement — providing grid power access to 99.8% of the population. The milestone achievement has also estab- lished the constitutional right of the people. Deep in his heart, the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did believe and had started work- ing in accordance with his be- lief, as a member of the erstwhile Juktofront Govern- ment in 1960s, that only access of power to all would change the fate of Bangladeshis.

August 1, 2021 9 He had a conviction that the West Pak- ural resources (petroleum and mineral istan Rulers like other aspects of life resources) buried underground, creat- were depriving Bangladeshis. As a re- ing organization for the exploration and sult, he initiated a process of acquiring exploitation of natural resources and land at Rooppur in Pabna for setting up creation of competent human capital a nuclear power plant. Works on explo- through training and capacity building. ration of petroleum in the greater Chat- The Article 16 of the Bangladesh Con- togram area had started around the stitution adopted in 1972 has ensured same time. During the election cam- the rights of the all citizens to get power paign of 1970, Bangabandhu was vocal supply. The Petroleum Act of 1939 did about flood control and river training. not provide for rights of the people over His priority agenda was to supply the petroleum and mineral resources. power to all. The companies getting concessions for exploration and development of natural Upon his return from gallows of Pak- resources use to get ownership in ex- istan occupation force to his dream change of royalty. Through amendment land, he did not forget the essential re- Dr Habibur Rahman File Photo of the act in 1974, Bangabandhu estab- quirement of energy security for the well-conceived energy vision. He had lished the rights of the people over all sake of economic emancipation of the buried natural resources (petroleum a firm believe that without sustainable people. The Pakistan occupation force and mineral resources). He champi- energy supply to all at affordable price, and their local cohorts burned almost oned the creation of three organizations the development process would have everything of Bangladesh into ashes. for the exploration, development of re- no meaning. After several decades of With almost nothing at hand, Banga- sources, generation and supply of brutal killing of the great leader, we bandhu had launched the mission of power. These were Bangladesh Oil, Gas found the SDG 7, a Global Strategic rebuilding the country, giving top pri- and Mineral Corporation (BOGMC, Plan that speaks about what Banga- ority to economy, energy and power now Petrobangla), Bangladesh Mineral bandhu had envisioned. Exploration & Development Corpora- sectors. The energy sector was his tion (BMEDC) and Bangladesh Power highest priority aimed at bringing Bangabandhu had started his mission Development Board (BPDB). BOGMC by setting three priorities — amending smiles to every face through economic was tasked with the responsibility of oil the Petroleum Act for ensuring the sov- emancipation. He launched a massive and gas exploration, transmission, dis- ereign rights of the people over the nat- mission to achieve his far-reaching tribution and also procurement of oil, refining and supply of petroleum prod- ucts. BMEDC was assigned to explore and exploit coal, granite rocks and other mineral resources. For generation, transmission and distribution of power, BPDB was created from the erstwhile East Pakistan Water and Power Devel- opment Authority (EPWAPDA). Ac- claimed technical professionals (technocrats) were given the responsi- bilities with due authority and power. Above all, a well-planned overseas training program for fresh recruits was launched for creating necessary human capital. For oil and gas sector, officials have been sent to different countries in- cluding Algeria and Indonesia. Memo- randum of understandings (MOUs) to A view of Habiganj Gas Field File Photo train energy and power sector officails

August 1, 2021 10 were also concluded with Germany and the then Soviet Union.

The government programs also in- cluded initiatives for resuming opera- tions of all industries and institutions. He created 12 corporations out of East Pakistan Industrial Development Cor- poration (EPIDC). BOGC and BMGC were the two among those. It is well known that the first petroleum re- sources in our region was discovered at Chiknagul of Haripur in Sylhet by Pak- istan Petroleum Limited (PPL). The op- eration of PPL was suspended during the liberation war in 1971. Immediately after the independence, the PPL was changed into BPL through acquisition of all assets of PPL. Gas supply to Chatak Cement Factory and Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) was re- sumed through undertaking some re- pairs of the affected gas pipelines. BPL later has become Sylhet Gas Fields Ltd (SGFL). Anglo Dutch company Shell BV started exploration for petroleum under royalty in 1960s. It could not discover oil but Bangabandhu corner at countrys’ oldest gas company Titas T&D Photo: Abu Sufian Ratan was successful in making discoveries of stone from Joypurhat and hard rocks much cheaper if our coal could be eco- some large gas fields — Titas, from Madhyapara. Works could be nomically utilized. Cheaper power Bakhrabad, Habiganj, Rashidpur and started making initial plans, but unfor- would be supplied at affordable cost to Koilashtila. Since 1968 Shell started tunately could not proceed as envi- all industries and agriculture would be supplying gas to some power plants, se- sioned by Bangabandhu after his modernized. lected industrial and domestic con- sudden demise. The limited three and sumers through its organization Titas half years of time that Bangabandhu got During the tenure of President HM Er- Gas Transmission and Distribution was unfortunately not enough to com- shad, some international companies Company. Shell started production from mence mining through carrying out fea- were invited for exploring the possi- Titas and Habiganj gas fields in a lim- sibility studies, selecting and engaging bilities of developing the Northern re- ited scale. Another US company was contractors. Works on mining started gion through exploiting and utilizing importing and marketing petroleum after the killing of Bangabandhu. Min- the discovered coal resources. Some products at that time. The business op- ing at Barapukuria for coal and Madhy- US and Australian companies submit- eration of that US company was ac- para for granite started in 1980s. The ted proposals. In continuation of that, quired through a regulation and was Bangabandhu government had started the BNP government after the end of vested to a division of Petrobangla. discussion with Coal India Limited for Ershad regime through mass upsurge signed an agreement with BHP Min- Noted geologist Dr. F H Khan was carrying out exploration and mining of eral Corporation for exploration at made the first Chairman of BMEDC coal in joint venture with BMEDC in Phulbari coal mine. But for prolonged with the status of Secretary to the gov- 1975. Unfortunately, no agreement delays in approval process of mining, ernment. Bangabandhu’s vision was to could be reached before his demise. BHP lost interest and after the Awami expedite exploration and development Bangabandhu firmly believed that the League-led government came to of coal resources, extraction of lime- cost of power generation would be

August 1, 2021 11 power in 1996, the Exploration Li- cense was assigned to Asia Energy Corporation. BNP during its tenure tried to engage Tata India at Bara- pukuria but failed. Hosaf and China JV was engaged for exploration at Khalaspir. Asia Energy and Hosaf after conducting feasibility studies submitted proposals for mine devel- opment. But these proposals remain unattended so far. In 2009, the gov- ernment adopted a plan for giving priority to use local coal for power generation. But now they moved away from it. Analysts observed that Bangabandhu’s daughter-led government has com- pletely turned around from Banga- bandhu’s vision of mining own coal A view of Ghorasal 210 MW power plant and using it for power generation. Now, little more than 200MW. In one-year termination and courageous initiatives of course, mining coal and burning it time, the Bangabandhu government and directives of Bangabandhu’s for power generation has become a could increase actual generation to daughter Hasina. She has successfully global concern. The use of coal as the 500MW. In only three and a half years, launched the “One Village, One Town” cheapest available option is uncertain. the Bangabandhu government could concept. Days are within the sight The capacity and role of BMEDC for ex- add another 291MW. The contract for when all the villages get the same facil- ploration and exploitation of coal is 55MW power plant was signed during ities of uninterrupted quality power also questionable. It has now turned his regime. The concept for a 210MW supply like cities. But a little distraction into an organization of no vision, no power plant at Ghorshal was a devel- from Bangabandhu’s vision still exists in destination. opment of his time. On review of data the matter of supplying power at an af- Meanwhile, BPDB appears to be sink- and information, it appears that Banga- fordable price. This is because ing with the enormous burdens of six bandhu had not only established con- Bangladesh is progressively moving generation companies, one transmis- stitutional rights for the citizens to get away from own fuel use. Former Prin- sion and four distribution utilities. access to power, he also initiated sev- cipal Secretary to Prime Minister Abul Though all of its companies are prof- eral action programs for power genera- Kalam Azad, however, mentioned that itable, BPDB is getting sicker and taking tion, transmission and supply to people. the power price in Bangladesh is subsidies from the government due to Only a month before his sad demise, in cheaper than other Asian countries. In the single-buyer policy. Observers a conference of Water and Power Sec- 2009, the then Chairman of BPDB ASM thought that it is a flawed government tor Engineers, he regretted that only Alamgir Kabir had termed the use of policy, not the management of BPDB 15% population living in urban areas quick rental plants as contingency responsible for this. BPDB was created have access to power. Rest 85% popu- measure and the power tariff would re- from East Pakistan Water and Power lation live in the rural areas. main higher for few years. But as soon Development Authority (EPWAPDA). “Bangladesh cannot develop until we as traditional fuel-based baseload Bangabandhu had inspired creation of can ensure power supply to my rural power plants come into operation, the BPDB within 5 months of his return to population.” Based on this vision, the power tariff would reduce. But the real- Bangladesh after the independence. Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board ity is that in last 11 years, the power tar- After the historic beginning of first (BREB) was created. iff increased by 111% in bulk and 90% power connection to Ahshan Manzil of in retail. Does this go in line with the Dhaka in 1901, the total generation ca- It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Bangabandhu’s vision? pacity in 70 years in 1971 reached access to power has now been ensured 547MW. But the actual generation was for all across the country thanks to de- If we have to discuss why Bangladesh

August 1, 2021 12 is moving towards imported fuel, we stirred the local office and headquar- approved. Bangladesh as the first have no option but to review Banga- ters of Shell BV. Discussion on formal country of South Asia could engage bandhu’s vision for creation of handover and takeover started. 6 reputed International Oil Compa- Petrobangla and his missions he could Bangabandhu’s plan was material- nies (IOCs) for offshore exploration launch within his very short tenure. ized. Five gas fields could be taken in the Bay of Bengal. Not only that There was a separate ministry named over for mere 4.5 million pound ster- the IOCs started their operation. Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Re- ling paid in nine installments. Only 6 Later for bureaucracy taking control sources. But for easing works and rec- days before Banglabandhu along with after Bangabandhu’s killing and ognizing the importance of the sector, most of his family members were bru- regime change, and protracted de- he first made it an additional responsi- tally murdered by planted agents, the lays in decision making, one after bility of the Prime Minister and later then Secretary, Petroleum and Miner- another IOCs left Bangladesh. that President. His advisor Dr. Habibur als Kafil Mahmud signed the takeover Bangladesh failed not only in main- Rahman in the capacity of Secretary agreement with Shell BV. taining the momentum Banga- was made the Chairman. The major bandhu created, but also could not Change of ownership of gas fields milestone achievement of Banga- resume offshore exploration mean- and other assets is a well-practiced bandhu was taking over ownership of 5 ingfully even after several years of major gas fields and TGTDCL from international phenomenon. But it is the resolution of maritime boundary Shell BV at nominal cost. Of course, the due to the charisma and gifted nego- dispute with Myanmar and India. global energy politics and oil shock due tiation strategy, Bangabandhu could to 1973 Middle East War had armed manage taking over the assets at The Sheikh Hasina-led government Bangabandhu with reasonable strength cheaper rate and making payments took several initiatives for expedit- for taking this bold decision. in nine installments. But Banga- bandhu was so diplomatic that even ing oil and gas exploration, In early 1970s, imported petroleum after this the relationship with The strengthening of BAPEX as national products were the main commercial Netherlands remained as friendly as flag bearer in exploration. But for fuel. But new-born Bangladesh ever. Shell assisted Bangladesh in lack of specific directives, bureau- started feeling the stress from the oil the operation of gas fields and even cratic control, highly ambitious un- shock-induced price hike for the operation of TGTDCL for some years planned exploration plan and lack Arab-Israel War. Natural gas was not beyond 1975. Shell even invested of technical and financial re- a global fuel of choice at that time. their resources in capacity develop- sources, BAPEX failed to achieve Bangabandhu immediately thought ment of gas sector officials. This was that gas should be the major fuel for only possible due to the visionary conceived objectives. The BAPEX- Bangladesh. He thought that this leadership of Bangladesh and plac- alone policy for onshore explo- would relieve Bangladesh from im- ing right persons in the right places. ration could not deliver. port burden and price of energy We must not forget the enormous Consequently, Bangladesh has to would be reduced. From this idea, he contributions of Dr. Habibur Rah- move out of own fuel dependency. started taking some actions. First, man. He resigned from his job after These are clear departure from amending the Petroleum Act 1939, a while of Bangabandhu killing. Bangabandhu’s vision. But policy he established ownership of the peo- makers would not agree. They insist ple over buried resources. Shell was The above was not the end of Banga- ’ that the government continues fol- directed to develop the gas fields they bandhu s achievement in energy sec- ’ owned, but they declined. Banga- tor. He had taken initiative for lowing Bangabandhu s footprints. bandhu did not keep his fingers formulation of Model Production The inadequacy of local primary crossed. His message was passed to Sharing Contract (PSC) for explo- fuel has forced Bangladesh to opt them that unless they listen, ration of oil resources. Bangladesh for imported fuel. According to the Bangladesh would acquire their as- followed the pursuit of Indonesia in policy makers, this is not a depar- sets as per the amended Petroleum doing that. Considering Dr. Kamal ture from Bangabandhu’s vision. Hossain as ideal person for this, he Act. When they were still reluctant, Rather this is an alternate route to Petrobangla within few days took was given the responsibility as the achieve quality power supply to all over Bakhrabad, Rashidpur and Minister of Petroleum. He could suc- at affordable price. Koilashtila gas fields from Shell. That cessfully develop Model PSC, got it EP

August 1, 2021 13

Cover Article

Bangabandhu and Oil, Gas & Mineral Sector Development Strategies in Bangladesh

Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain

s an independent state, Bangladesh reach the benefit of freedom to the grass- and the transmission and distribution facil- inherited an economy which was roots people. ities; to initiate on a priority basis explo- Aseverely damaged during the war of Sectoral plan got prominence in the plan ration for oil and gas; to accelerate surface liberation. The ravages were widespread. documents (1973-78) under which natural and subsurface geological investigation The meagre economic heads, transport, resources covering among others oil, gas and mapping; to reorganize and develop communications and power system sus- and minerals got a major share as desired institutional facilities including physical fa- tained severe damages. The ports were by Bangabandhu. Needless to say, the fa- cilities of the concerned agencies and to damaged and blocked by shipwrecks, se- ther of the nation had a vision to utilize the impart training to improve technical capa- verely affecting the import and export natural resources including oil, gas and bilities of the professionals ; while the poli- trade, the road transport system broke minerals in the country for the economic cies in the plan covered areas like: down into pieces due to destruction of development of Bangladesh so that its peo- emphasis will be placed on the use of gas bridges and culverts, and domestic pro- ple can attain a better standard of living. as fuel for domestic, industrial and com- duction was seriously hampered as a result Even before the independence, Banga- mercial purposes in the urban areas, of the loss of spares and inventories, stop- bandhu had demanded for expeditious de- arrange optimum use of gas for generation page of maintenance supply lines, flight of velopment of natural resources available of power; exploration, development and non-local managers and the generally un- in the country as could be gathered from marketing of oil and gas should be treated settled conditions. So, the newborn state his speeches and manifesto. Development as an integrated function and the task faced a number of problems with which its of oil, gas and mineral resources therefore should be the responsibility of a single leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman started the got a momentum under his leadership in corporation. uphill task of rebuilding the nation. the five-year plan document. Institutional developments formed an im- Bangabandhu as a charismatic leader of Plan objectives of the oil, gas and natural portant part of the FYP. Various policies the time took the challenge and consti- resources included: to remove the imbal- and facilities were described through tuted a strong Planning Commission ance between the gas discovered so far which the formation of corporations like chaired by himself and getting the best BMEDC, OGDC and BOGMC were out- available personnel from respective lined and enhancement of the capabili- fields to work for the Commission with ties of Geological Survey of Bangladesh the aim to reconstruct and rebuild (GSB), facilities for Eastern Refinery Lim- Bangladesh as he envisaged and fought ited (ERL) and oil marketing companies for. It is for these reasons the Planning were also described. Commission at that time was considered to be the power house of the planning In the pre-liberation period, there were process as well as development activities no full-fledged establishments for geo- in the country and manned by profes- logical survey, oil, gas and minerals de- sionals who were not only the cream in velopment in Bangladesh. Only a few the respective domain of expertise but small-scale field offices were located also with high academic and profes- here such as the eastern regional office sional experiences within and outside of the Geological Survey in Dhaka; Gas the country. Bangabandhu with his lov- and Minerals Division of the erstwhile able leadership got these people devoted EPIDC and a local camp office of Oil and with the difficult task of preparing the Gas Development Corporation in Chit- document for a five-year plan period tagong. The interests of Bangladesh were aiming at rebuilding the nation and to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inevitably neglected under such a set up.

August 1, 2021 15 Bangladesh had inadequate information about the geological environment, though the prospects of discovering economic and strategic minerals or mineral deposits ap- peared bright. Investigations carried out by the GSB revealed the existence of coal de- posits in Jamalganj area, lime stone de- posits of Jamalganj-Jaipurhat area, lime stone of Takergahat, Sylhet, white clay de- posits of Bijoypur, Netrokona, glass sand deposits of shahjibazar-Naya para in Syl- het, hard rock deposits of Ranipukur in Rangpur District and beach sand minerals deposits in Cox`s bazar in Chattogram. No effort was taken to develop the mineral re- sources in the country during the pre-lib- eration period. Mineral sector was not Dr Habibur Rahman with Shell BV official File Photo structurally organized and no attention Immediately after the liberation, work tional communities in hydrocarbon sector was given by the then rulers for developing started for developing the Jamalganj coal under the leadership of Bangabandhu. the valuable resources in this part of the fields when Fried Krupp Rhostoffe, a Ger- country. While launching the first FYP (1973-78) man consulting house, was appointed for Bangabandhu declared: “The government In the field of hydrocarbon, till 1947, the the feasibility study of setting up an under- felt the urgent need to provide a sense of only worthwhile exploratory work was ground coal mine; at the same time, a de- direction and determine the order of prior- done by Burmah Oil Company (BOC) and tailed engineering study on setting up a ities within the framework of which coher- its predecessor White Hall Petroleum cement factory on the basis of huge lime ent and consistent policies and programs Company and subsequently the work was stone that existed above the coal seams in could be formulated.” Bangabandhu was activated by STANVAC and Shell Oil Com- Jaipurhat area was also undertaken. The very practical in realizing that without the pany respectively; as a result, structures progress of Jaipurhat lime stone mining selfless participation by the people, no de- like Patia, Chattogram and Patharia, Sylhet and cement factory was satisfactory during velopment will take place and that is why were discovered by BOC, Sitakund, Chat- the period of Bangabandhu, but then the he added: “No plan, however well-formu- togram by White Hall Petroleum Com- project was abandoned. Bangladeshi ex- lated, can be implemented unless there is pany, Hazipur, Tangail; Kuchma and Bogra perts while working on the projects initi- a total commitment on the part of the peo- by STANVAC; Kailashtilla, Rashidpur, ated in the plan by the father of the nation ple of the country to work hard and make Habiganj, Titas and Bakhrabad by Shell later discovered coal deposits at shallower necessary sacrifices. All of us will, there- fore, have to dedicate ourselves to the task Oil Company and Tangratilla, Haripur, depth at Fulbari, Barapukuria, Khalashpir of nation building with single minded de- Sylhet by BPL. During 1955-65 surveys of and Dighipara, and also granite deposit at termination. I am confident that our people varying detail had led to the discovery of Madhya Para. Close grid seismic survey will devote themselves to the task with as commercial reserves of gas by Shell Oil conducted by local experts discovered Company and BPL. In the field of petro- much courage and vigor as they demon- promising structures for hydrocarbon in strated during the war of liberation.” leum products, Eastern Refinery Limited different parts of the country based on was the only establishment with a few which a few gas fields were also discov- The vision of Bangabandhu added a great marketing companies scattered over a few ered by Petrobangla after implementation dimension to the arduous task of moving major towns of the country. of the drilling programme in the identified ahead with exploration, development and utilization of oil, gas and mineral resources During the pre-liberation period, the use structures. Bangabandhu also arranged to in Bangladesh. The achievements in the of gas was confined mainly to the have the ownership of the Shell Oil-owned hydrocarbon and mineral resources sector Fenchuganj Natural Gas Fertilizer Fac- gas fields by Bangladesh which provided in the country as of now owe much to the tory from Tangratilla gas field and to the the much-needed energy security at the farsightedness of the father of the nation Chhatak Cement Factory from the Chatak time of uncertainties in international oil who dreamt, fought and sacrificed his life gas field. For power generation, gas was and gas market. Exploration by Interna- for an exploitation-free society for the peo- first taken to shahjibazar in the year tional Oil Companies (IOC) in the territo- ple of Bangladesh. 1968-69 from Habiganj gas field. Use of ries of Bangladesh got momentum during EP natural gas in power, fertilizer, domestic the life time of Bangabandhu and several and industrial sectors started after the dis- reputed international oil and gas compa- Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain; covery of Titas gas fields and the estab- nies participated in the exploration pro- former Chairman of Petrobangla and lishment of Titas Gas Transmission and gramme in the Bay of Bengal which founder Chairman of Bangladesh Energy Distribution Company in 1964. demonstrated the confidence of interna- Regulatory Commission (BERC).

August 1, 2021 16 Special Article

Daughter Implementing Father’s Vision

Saleque Sufi

angladesh remembers with pro- challenges is successfully implementing to set the foundation and work out found gratitude and respects the the visions of his father. A nation known roadmap for achieving that objective. Bpeerless contributions of the father for its natural calamities and poverty is After his sad gruesome murder in August of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu- now considered as a symbol of devel- 1975 as a consequence of international jibur Rahman. An unarmed nation re- opment through successfully con- conspiracies, Bangladesh lost the mo- sponding to his clarion call earned the fronting various challenges. Achieving mentum of growth for over two coveted independence making supreme reasonable and comfortable energy se- decades. His daughter Sheikh Hasina sacrifices through nine months of glori- curity and accessibility of power and assuming state power in 1996 gloriously ous liberation war on December 16, energy to most is one of the major rea- started mission recovery. But from 2001- 1971. There was nothing in independ- sons for impressive economic growth on 2006, another tide reversed the trend. ent Bangladesh to start with for recon- a consistent basis over the past decade. However, returning to state power again struction of the communication, health, Bangladesh is among the few countries in 2009, the present government by Medicare, education, agriculture, de- of the world achieving positive growth launching massive all round develop- fense, business and commerce sectors even during the global COVID-19 pan- ment has turned Bangladesh into a bas- to achieve his vision of far reaching ob- demic. A country which experienced 8- ket full of opportunities. With over jectivities. He craftily laid down the 10 hours of power load shedding in 25,000 MW (with captive and renew- foundation for achieving sustainable en- 2009 in a matter of decade has huge ables) installed generation capacity of ergy security creating institutions like surplus generation capacity. Well, for power and access of grid power to al- Bangladesh Oil Gas Corporation lack of matching progress in harnessing most 100% population, Bangladesh is (BOGC), Bangladesh Mineral Develop- own primary fuel resource (coal and leading Sustainable Development Goal ment Corporation (BMDC), Bangladesh gas) and inadequate progress in expand- (SDG 7) achievers. True that there are Power Development Board (BPDB), ing and modernizing power transmis- still challenges of achieving secured pri- Bangladesh Water Development Board sion and distribution system, quality mary fuel supply or ensuring quality (BWDB). If he has not been killed along power supply to all on uninterruptible power supply to all on uninterruptible with most of his family members, basis could not be ensured. But the gov- basis at affordable cost. But all relevant Bangladesh could have achieved the ernment has not kept fingers crossed. All issues have been identified. Actions are position where it is now much earlier. out endeavors have been launched. All underway for upgrading and moderniz- However, his surviving daughter, who challenges have been identified. Nation ing power transmission and distribution also survived many attempts on her life, is riding on agendas for graduation to networks, harnessing primary fuel re- has turned many of the visions of her fa- developed country by 2041. For that all sources from local sources and import. ther into reality. Bangladesh now is the out campaign for exploring and exploit- By 2025 with the commissioning of roaring economic tiger of the east. One ing own fuel resources and side by side some large baseload power generation of the achievement is credible and com- importing energy and power from re- projects including 2400 MW Nuclear fortable energy security. gional and international sources have Power plant, modern power transmis- been launched. Achieving power grid access to all for sion and distribution system, the 170 million Bangladeshis in the Deep in his heart, Bangabandhu be- Bangladesh would advance significantly golden jubilee year of independence lieved that the people of Bangladesh in the achievement of Sonar Bangla vi- following the birth centenary of the Fa- would grow as a leading nation of the sion of Bangabandhu. ther of the nation is a vision translated region as well as the world if sustainable to reality. The world recognizes now supply of quality power and energy can Bangabandhu’s Energy Vision that Bangabandhu’s performing daugh- be ensured for them at affordable price. When a country’s emergence is the vi- ter Sheikh Hasina confronting huge He got only about three and half years sion of a person, it goes without saying

August 1, 2021 17 that he invariably had a vi- on 9 August 1975 less sion of energy security. than a week that traitors Very often he was heard as on the behest of conspir- saying that the occupation ators brutally murdered army has destroyed every- Bangabandhu. Our moti- thing, they left us in ashes. vator of Bakhrabad Gas “But I have very hard inno- Systems Limited (BGSL) vative farmers, hard-work- showed us that Banga- ing labor force. If we can bandhu initiated even provide them assistance, BGSL as gas supply proj- they would make us turn ect to Chittagong Urea around.” He wanted engi- Fertilizer (CUFL). neers, doctors, government Among other aspects of officials to value the poor Bangabandhu magna- villagers, farming commu- nimity was letting rele- nity and treat them with re- vant experts doing their spect. He believed that Work going on at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant File Photo works freely and inde- Bengal delta must have and Eastern European countries, he pendently without bureaucratic control. huge hydrocarbon and mineral re- could arrange scholarships for sources. He very often said, “I need Bangladeshi young people in the then How is Bangabandhu’s Daughter golden Bangladeshis to create Golden USSR and Algeria. Many of those Implementing the Vision? Bangladesh.” He advised talented trained professionals served the The all round of reconstruction and de- Bangladeshi young people to learn pe- Bangladesh’s power and energy sector, velopment works those Bangabandhu troleum engineering, mining engineer- some of them are working with dignity had initiated were either stalled or ad- ing and dedicate efforts for exploring in many countries. Bangabandhu vanced at much slower pace during and exploiting own petroleum re- wanted to explore and develop coal and 1975-1990s when two military rulers- sources. He thought and believed that mineral resources. He could care less led “marshal democracy” were in place. own primary fuel would create sustain- the unnecessary objections of Myanmar Nevertheless, the momentum created in able energy security, own mineral re- and India against launching initiatives the three and a half years in the energy sources would develop industries and for offshore exploration of oil. In less sector had kept gas-based energy gen- create job opportunities for educated than a year time, a draft Production eration growing. In 1990, the democ- youth. These were his driving force be- Sharing Contract (PSC) was prepared, racy returned but then again the hind creation and launching of energy, bidding rounds organized and 6 leading BNP-led government from 1991-96 did power and mineral sector organizations. IOCs engaged for exploring oil in the too little to recover the momentum of This writer had opportunities to work Bay of Bengal were possible. Unfortu- the energy and power sector. In 1996, with Dr. Kamal Hossain and Dr. nately, his demise has brought an end to when Awami League-led government Habibur Rahman, two trusted lieu- Bangladesh venture for exploring off- took over the office, a chronic crisis of tenants of Bangabandhu in orchestrating shore resources. We all are aware of his gas and power almost stalled the opera- energy vision. They mentioned that farsighted decision of acquiring 5 major tion of industries. A sudden depletion of given the regional and international gas fields from Shell BV at a nominal gas reserve of Bakhrabad and Feni geo-politics, Bangladesh must explore cost. The cheap gas providing fuel for caused shutting down of CUFL, KAFCO and develop own primary fuel resources cheaper cost power for industries led to and Power plants in Chittagong. Some for fuelling its industrial growth, must commendable industrial development. 6-8 hours of power load shedding develop own technical manpower to As ill luck would have it the agreement caused immense miseries. The Sheikh plan growth, manage implementation with Shell BV for handing over 5 large Hasina-led government was almost on and operate infrastructure. Taking ad- gas fields (Titas, Habiganj, Rashidpur, a war footing and implemented vantage of his good relations with USSR Bakhrabad and Koillashtilla) was signed Ashuganj-Bakhrabad gas transmission loop line to evacuate stranded gas of the North to southeast. In only 9 months, the country’s power and en- ergy sector turned around. The IPP pol- icy, SIPP policy were successfully launched. Captive power generation was authorized for industries. The huge works were only possible for the dy- namic leadership of Bangabandhu’s

August 1, 2021 18 daughter. She inherited the courage and ration. Most of the power generation reliant power and energy sector will be was relentless in commitment to contracts in the pipeline were scrapped. owned and understood by the policy- Bangabadhu and Bangladesh. During Only one scandalous 80 MW capacity makers. Without exploring and exploit- this time massive development works new power plant could be added. All ing own fuel resources, it would be were undertaken in the power and en- these had led to chronic power and en- extremely difficult for Bangladesh to en- ergy sectors. Of them, the following can ergy crisis yet again as the government, sure long-term sustainable energy secu- be mentioned: led by Bangabandhu’s daughter, was rity. We hope the policymakers would Gas Sector reinstated to state power in 2009. Imme- realize as to why Bangabandhu wanted •Discovery and development of diate priority was to ensure power sup- appropriate professionals to develop en- Shangu offshore gas field ply to overcome negative impacts of ergy sector without undue political and •Development of Jalalabad Gas Field load shedding. The government bureaucratic interference. The structure by UNOCAL adopted short term contingency plan, of Petrobangla and its companies must under which liquid fuel (HSFO and be reviewed; salary and remunerations • Construction of Beanibazar— diesel-based) rental and quick rental must be upgraded on performance Koilashtila gas and condensate pipeline plants were installed within 9-15 basis. Companies should be allowed to •Construction of Meghna Gas Field to months. Under a mid-term planning, perform with due autonomy as per the Bakhrabad and Salda Gas Field to several traditional fuel based (coal —im- company act. Bakhrbad Gas hub pipeline ported) and gas-based power plant con- Conclusion struction initiatives were launched, and •Construction of Elenga—Baghabari gas Courage, determination and patriotism under a long term plan power import pipeline along Bangabandhu Multipur- of Bangabandhu’s daughter has led the from neighboring countries were initi- pose Bridge present government of turning the En- ated. As the outcome, Bangladesh now ergy Vision of Bangabandhu into reality. •Discovery of Bibiyana and Maul- has over 25,000 MW Power generation Providing grid power access to the en- vibazar Gas Fields by Chevron. capacity including about 2800 MW tire nation is among the major achieve- Power Sector captive power and 1160 MW import ments. Nuclaer power plant at Rooppur from India. •Barge-Mounted Power Plants is another vision turning to reality. Sheikh Hasina should not hesitate tak- • Power grid has been extended across IPPs at Meghnaghat and Haripur ing a brave initiative to mining coal and Bangladesh and 99.50% of population •Small IPPs along gas grid exploring hydrocarbon resources from has access to grid power. By 2025, all onshore and offshore. She should also •Works on repowering old plants at major power generation plants under encourage adoption of all modern op- Siddhirganj, Ghorashal, Ashuganj, and implementation, including Rooppur tions of Green Energy being the Cham- Shahjibazar. Nuclear Power Plant, are due to come pion of the Earth. The observance of 9 In 2001, when Awami League govern- into operation. Indian conglomerate August as Energy Security Day for show- ment left office, the gas grid had enough Adani Group would supply about 1800 ing respect to founding father of the na- gas for feeding power generation and MW power from its plant at Jharkhand. tion would not be justified unless the industries and power generation capac- About 7000 new generation capacity government endeavors achieving self- ity was more than enough for meeting would help retiring most of the rental reliant energy and power sector. the demand. On top of that many new and quick rental plants. The grid would Bangladesh cannot afford growing ex- contracts were at different stages of con- become much more reliable. clusive reliance on imported primary clusion. fuel. That was not the vision of Banga- Areas Requiring Attention bandhu. People all across Bangladesh Awami League Government Back Of course, there are power interruptions must get quality power and energy sup- due to constraints in transmission and Again in 2009 ply at affordable cost on equity basis. The interim period specially during the distribution system. The power transmis- For that, there is no option but to ex- BNP-Jamat alliance government rule sion and distribution systems are being plore and exploit own primary re- during 2001-2006 reversed all the upgraded gradually. The government, sources meeting all challenges. achievements of the earlier Awami however, failed in expediting own fuel Bangladesh must also work out on how League government of 1996-2001. exploration and development. Failure in experienced resident and non-resident Nothing was done for exploring and de- taking political decision for mining own Bangladeshi energy and power sector veloping new gas resources. A vested coal and delays in developing infra- human resources could work in har- quarter hatched conspiracy and created structures for fuel import is another mony and can contribute meaningfully crisis at Phulbari coal mine leading to areas of concern. The government must to further achieving sustainable energy BDR killing people. Gas resource review what had led Petrobangla and security. started depleting faster. A scandalous EMRD to fail keeping pace with better EP NIKO contract was concluded leading performing power sector. It is expected Saleque Sufi; to two major blow outs during explo- that the Bangabandhu’s vision of self- Contributing Editor

August 1, 2021 19

Special Report

ExpertsExperts forfor Power,Power, EEnergynergy IntegratedIntegrated MasterMaster PPlanlan

Mohiuddin Miah

xperts at a recent webinar stressed SCAN THE QR CODE Even by 2050 in the lower growth case, the need for formulating an inte- TO WATCH FULL TALKS fossil fuel would contribute 59% and in Egrated power and energy master the higher growth case 77%. Hence the plan by engaging the country’s own ex- challenge during this period would be perienced professionals. The also em- environment protection, energy security phasized on ensuring an appropriate and equity supply. fuel mix to facilitate sustainable power He mentioned that the previous master supply to all at affordable cost. plans were also integrated. Those were They, however, suggested keeping in formulated in consideration of the pre- mind while formulating the master plan vailing realities at respective time. But that the world cannot completely elim- separate master plans were prepared in inate using the fossil fuel in near future 2010 and 2016 for power and gas. and may not even by 2050. The master But during preparation of the present plan should be realistic and not pre- that 79% power was generated from plan, various stakeholders advocated for pared on the basis of emotions. An im- fossil fuels in 2010. For efficient use of better and coordinated power and en- plementable roadmap must also be included in the master plan facilitating regular monitoring. Energy & Power magazine in collabora- tion with M2K Technology and Trading organized the webinar on “Power-En- ergy Integrated Master Plan” on July 17, 2021. EP Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain fuel and energy, fossil fuels in 2050 ergy sector plan. That is why initiative moderated the webinar where Abul would continue contributing more than has been taken to prepare an integrated Kalam Azad, special envoy of the Pres- 50% or above. master plan. In my opinion, local ex- idency of Climate Vulnerable Forum of perts must be given priority during its UN, was the chief guest. formulation, he said. Former Chairman of Petrobangla and Azad thought that deeper considera- BPC Muqtadir Ali, former Chairman of tions should have been given before BPDB Engr. Alomgir Kabir, former Mem- cancelling 10 imported coal-based ber of BERC Abdul Aziz Khan, President power plants. The world community of International Business Forum and would not gain or lose anything even if CEO Energypac Humayun Rashid, En- Bangladesh reduces its carbon footprint ergy and Mining Expert Dr. Mushfiqur to zero. The carbon footprint of Rahman and International Energy Con- Bangladesh is only 0.6 tonne while that sultant Engr. Khondkar Abdus Saleque of USA is as high as 16 tonnes. participated as panelist in the discus- Bangladesh should have mined own sion. coal and started utilization. Referring to a report of the World Energy Bangladesh could not achieve notice- Council, Abul Kalam Azad informed able progress in the development of re- Abul Kalam Azad

August 1, 2021 21 newable energy. Alongside of solar the country must consider developing wind energy especially the offshore wind. Alongside developing LNG import in- frastructure, the exploration of own pe- troleum resources must be expedited. Bangladesh must continue efforts for ex- panding cross border energy trading. Accessing to hydropower prospects of Nepal and Bhutan would enhance green energy use. Bangladesh must also seriously start working on hydrogen en- Muqtadir Ali A.S.M. Alamgir Kabir Abdul Aziz Khan ergy development, Azad added. Former Chairman Petrobangla and BPC Muqtadir Ali observed that lack of co- ordination among the stakeholders is a critical impediment. He said in some cases “we observed that the required gas line was ready for fuel supply but the power station not ready or vice versa. Most of the projects conceived in the plans cannot be implemented on time. Hence implementation of the plans be- Humayun Rashid Mushfiqur Rahman Khondkar Abdus Saleque came questionable. So, these serious lacks of coordination need to be ad- quality electricity for smooth operation. for formulating master plan rather than dressed in the under preparation master Hence uninterrupted supply of quality relying on foreign consultants. If neces- plan. power and energy is essential now than sary for credibility of formulated docu- ever before. ments, it may be vetted by accredited He also advocated that local experts consultants. He also suggested that Mr. Humayun Rashid said that the pri- should prepare Master Plan and sug- there should be a forum that could ad- vate sector must also be included in the gested focusing on short-term, mid-term vise the government entities on various formulation of integrated power and en- and long-term plans for ensuring better issues relating to power and energy sec- ergy sector master plan. We need to un- outcomes from the plans. On the other tor. hand, Muqtadir Ali identified financing derstand how industries would be He said Bangladesh needed to prioritize as the major issue for exploring indige- benefitted from the integrated master the fossil fuel use for capacity addition nous energy. He informed that there has plan in the future. He suggested that pri- in power generation specially in the been no allocation in the national vate sector should also be a party in im- peak hour while renewable energy may budget for exploration. plementation of the master plan. He said, under the supervision of govern- be contributing to the energy sector. He Humayun Rashid, CEO of Energypac, ment agencies, the private sector would said renewable energy can be used dur- pointed out the existence of various un- be able to achieve the visions and ob- ing off peak period instead of costly fos- certainties in the power and the energy jectives of the plan. sil fuel. He pointed out that in the earlier sectors. He stressed that there could be PSMP’s coal was given importance for no option other than ensuring safe, He mentioned about the requirements its cheaper and abundant availability. quality and uninterrupted power for in- of the SDG 7 that by 2030 about sus- There is no reason that the chain to be dustrial development and economic tainable supply of quality clean power changed. growth. He suggested adopting a struc- to all at affordable cost. Hence the focus Regarding over-capacity at generation, tured policy for getting uninterrupted needs to be directed towards that as he said the demand did not grow as pro- and quality power for the industry. well. That would also assist in industrial growth and job opportunities. jected in the plan. Failure in the rental He also mentioned that local industries and quick rental plants could not retire should go for automation by adopting Chairman of Power Energy Manage- on time as planned. Higher spinning re- new technologies. There are micro- ment and Engineering Company Engr. serve according to him is another reason processor-controlled equipment and ASM Alamgir Kabir, former Chairman of for increased generation cost arising sensitive machineries. These require BPDB, suggested engaging local experts from payment of capacity charge for

August 1, 2021 22 idle plants. Under no circumstance the He said the existence of abundant fossil the country plunged into power and spinning reserve should exceed 25%. fuel is a reality and we cannot deny the energy crisis again. Consequently, the Abdul Aziz Khan, former Member reality. We need to define the renewable present government in its earlier term BERC, observed that first of all we need energy sources and reconsider the tar- from 2009 again had to confront with to analyze our previous PSMP and iden- gets. Meanwhile, there is ample oppor- 8-10 hours of daily power loadshed- tify the loopholes and set targets not tunities for achieving energy efficiency ding and chronic gas shortage. The achieved. In my opinion, it may not be in our country. There must be a detailed Power System Master Plan (PSMP harsh mentioning that the previous mas- plan for it also. Our visions in the inte- 2010) was approved where depend- ter plan was only a document, which is grated power and energy masterplan ency of gas as primary fuel for power not implemented. should be more specific, target-oriented generation was rationalized. PSMP We all know where Bangladesh aspires and with detailed roadmap, he added. 2010 focused on diversified fuel mix. to reach in 2041. We need to set some He added that we must engage our local Coal 50% (29 percent local and 21 milestones and phases for reaching that experts to formulate our masterplan percent imported coal) as primary fuel goal. Integrated Power and Energy mas- who would set some specific and con- for power generation to relieve stress ter plan must be prepared crafting it to crete targets after reviewing background on gas. But that plan failed for govern- ’ achieving that national vision. Fuel mix papers. He, however, supported the sug- ment s hesitation in mining own coal. gestion for engaging private sector in need to be realistic and achievable. Later in PSMP 2016 fuel mix, the con- implementation of the integrated master tribution of coal was changed to 35 per- Solar must be given priority this time. plan. The cost of solar energy is very much af- cent (34 imported and 1.0 percent local fordable now a days and research are He said that the workload of the govern- coal). The government approved plans going on for further price reduction. We ment, the agencies would be justifiably for 17 coal-based power plants across need to utilize the knowledge of our lessened when the private sector steps the country. After wasting time, re- neighboring countries like India. into it and I think the projects would be sources and efforts for some years, 10 completed in timely and orderly man- such coal-based projects are cancelled We cannot wait for our own gas. LNG ners. All works can be done under the now. import is essential for power generation. supervisions and guidelines of the gov- But exploration for own gas must also These all evidence that the visions ernment agencies and regulators wher- proceed side by side. But I am not much and policy perspectives of PSMP ever applicable. optimistic about it. There must be a 2010 and PSMP 2016 remained un- reservoir study done as soon as possible Engr. Khondkar Abdus Saleque con- achieved. These have created uncer- to assess possible future gas availability. necting from Melbourne said after tainties as regards to sustainable That will assist better preparing an inte- forming the government in 1996, the supply of fuel for achieving energy se- grated master plan. He said there might Awami League-led government en- curity. Many observed that there was be some addition or modification in the countered a diabolic situation of en- a lack of coordination about different targets, but we should not completely ergy and power crisis. There were stakeholders during preparation and change our target. frequent glitches of power and gas implementation of the earlier PSMPs. grid, creating stagnation in the growth Energy and mining expert Dr. Mush- Mr. Saleque suggested reviewing and of industrialization. The gas system fiqur Rahman suggested preparing analyzing in depth the reasons for not suffered most despite adequate gas re- background papers before formulat- achieving past conceived fuel mix. serve and stranded gas. ing integrated master plan. Setting He also stressed that proper coordina- specific goal and charting roadmap Seven top priority projects were taken tion among all must be there in the for reaching goal would be easier if up in the gas sector and accomplished implementation and adaptation background papers are ready at hand. with due urgency to address and re- process of the new integrated master Integrated Master Plan must be a brief solve the problems in transmission plan. In the future plan, due priorities policy document. We must set limits and distribution system. Some bold must be given to the economic ex- of quality, affordability and energy ef- innovative decisions like engaging ploitation of own primary fuel re- ficiency in the master plan. private sector in power generation, he sources. An implantable roadmap for added. By 2001, the gas and power PSMP with required Key Point Indica- He thought that failure of exploiting our sector were both vibrant and crisis tors (KPI) must also be in place. own coal was definitely from lack of was non-existent. care. For us, it was a luxury. Presence of He termed the PSMP as a dynamic doc- aquifer is not an issue; rather land Saleque pointed out that due to the ument. Evolving technologies like hy- scarcity is a problem. We must value the failure of government formed in 2001 drogen energy must also be seriously opinions of real experts avoiding popu- in carrying forward or building on the taken into consideration as the future successes of the previous government, fuel, he suggested. lous opinion and uneducated debates. EP

August 1, 2021 23

Article

Bangabandhu and Power, Energy Sectors

Mohammad Hossain

he names Bangabandhu and The great liberation war is the most Sheikh Hasina is now following her Bangladesh is a Siamese twin. glorious chapter in the history of our father's footsteps and has been able Our dreams, our independence - Bangali nation. Responding to the ex- to successfully establish Bangladesh T alted call of the Father of the Nation as a role model for sustainable and all in all, his name and his presence is indispensable in every sphere of our na- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rah- inclusive development around the man, people of all walks of life in this world. But if we had not lost the great tion. The tragedy is that this great hero country engaged themselves into the architect of independent Bangladesh, of the history, the father of the nation, great war of liberation against the Pak Father of the Nation Bangabandhu 45 the greatest Bangali of all time, Banga- aggressors. Under the auspicious years ago; what would this bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along leadership of Bangabandhu, we Bangladesh be like today, that picture with other family members were bru- snatched the red sun of victory on can only be drawn in imagination! tally assassinated on August 15, 1975 December 16, 1971 in exchange for Bangabandhu was released from prison by some miscreants. It is a scandalous immeasurable sacrifices during the 9- of Pakistan and returned to newborn month long bloody war. Banga- chapter in the history of the nation. Au- Bangladesh on 10 January 1972. Soon bandhu devoted himself till the last gust is therefore a month of mourning, after his return, the farsighted Banga- day of his life to rebuild the war-torn a month of regaining strength for us. bandhu wasted no time in re-shaping country. He was determined to unite This hellish murder has been carried the war-torn country. The father of the the people and lead them towards the out to turn the wheel of history in the nation knew that electricity was the desired goal of inclusive develop- prime mover of development. So he opposite direction. But the people of ment. His dream for a prosperous made several landmark decisions, con- Bangladesh could not forget the ideals Bangladesh was properly reflected in sidering electricity as a priority sector. of the father of the nation. They have re- the enactment of the Constitution of To build the Golden Bangla of his sisted, protested, and sacrificed their the Republic in 1972. Within just 2-3 dream, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur blood on the streets demanding justice years of independence, he was able Rahman included the need of electric- for the killers. As a result, the murderers to make significant use of ity in Article 16 of the Constitution writ- Bangladesh's growth potential. He in- have been brought to justice after three ten in 1972. As a result, the availability herited an economy worth just 8 bil- decades. of electricity was established as a con- lion USD in 1972. We did not have a stitutional right of all the people of this In this month of mourning, with deep single dollar in our foreign exchange country. respect I would like to recall and pay reserves. Bangabandhu led the way my deep respect to all the martyrs of in rebuilding the shattered economy After the independence, Bangabandhu August 15, including the architect of the with a small amount of domestic re- started a new horizon in the power sec- independent Bangladesh, the greatest sources and some international hu- tor by segregating WAPDA on 31 May Bangali of all time, Father of the Nation manitarian assistance, despite the 1972 through Presidential Order 59 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman pressure of rising inflation following (PO-59) and formed Bangladesh Power and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the global oil crisis and growing food Development Board (BPDB) and four national leaders killed in jail, 30 shortages. The people of the country Bangladesh Water Development Board. lakhs martyrs and 2 lakhs mothers and began to believe in their own strength As a result, BPDB became the sole en- sisters; in return for their supreme sac- for the inspirational leadership of tity for the generation, transmission and rifice, we are enjoying the benefits of Bangabandhu. His able and worthy distribution of electricity throughout the freedom today. daughter, Hon'ble Prime Minister country. Power hubs were established

August 1, 2021 25 at Siddhirganj, Ghorashal and Ashuganj of the United States based in everyone's house. Inflation has been in collaboration with the then Soviet Bangladesh through the ESSO Under- kept under control even after the econ- Union by the far-reaching decision of taking Acquisition Ordinance, 1975, is- omy has maintained consistently high Bangabandhu. Considering the load sued on March 14, 1975 to ensure growth. Bangladesh has been able to center, these power hubs have been efficient storage, supply, distribution draw the attention of the world by playing an important role in power gen- and sale of oil under state supervision. achieving the Millennium Develop- eration till now. However, after his as- This far-sighted decision opened a new ment Goals (MDGs), leaving behind sassination, the anti-independence entrance in the field of energy security many countries in the world. forces were in power and no promising of the country. Like her father, the visionary, coura- progress was observed in the power Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Father geous and timely decision-making and and energy sector. of the Nation, returned to her homeland implementation of Hon'ble Prime Min- Not only that, in a directional speech at Bangladesh on May 17, 1981, after a ister Sheikh Hasina has led to an un- the Bangladesh Water and Power De- long six-year life in exile. Following precedented success in the power velopment Board Engineers Conference long struggles of 15 years, after winning sector in a decade - which has not hap- in July 1975, President Sheikh Mujibur the 1996 elections, Hon'ble Prime Min- pened in the last 100 years. The govern- Rahman said, “There is no work with- ister Sheikh Hasina took charge of the ment is implementing various mega out electricity, eighty-five percent of the country and started her journey by re- projects in power generation by giving villages have no electricity. Electricity viving Bangladesh. From 1996 to 2001, utmost importance and priority to the will have to be supplied to the villages. many global changes took place in the development of the power sector. Apart This will improve all aspects of rural country under the leadership of from setting up gas-fired power plants, Bangladesh. If we can control the flood Hon'ble Prime Minister. During this pe- energy diversification, energy import and supply electricity in rural areas, we riod, power generation increased from plans are also being implemented in- will not have to import food from 1800MW to 4300 MW. In 1996, the cluding construction of coal, LNG, liq- abroad in a few years." As a result, ‘Private Sector Power Generation Pol- uid fuel, nuclear power and renewable under his guidance, considering the im- icy of Bangladesh’ was adopted to at- energy based power plants. mense importance of electricity in agri- tract private investment in power In order to ensure energy security and culture and rural economic generation. As a result, at present the to build a sustainable energy supply development, the Rural Electrification private share in power generation is system in the country, a plan has been Board (REB) was formed in 1977. about 50 percent. Under the power sec- taken to reduce energy consumption by tor reform program, various agencies Electricity in the region started on De- 15 percent by 2021 and 20 percent by and companies were formed in the gen- cember 6, 1901 with the help of a gen- 2030. As a part of the long-term master eration, transmission and distribution erator at Ahsan Manzil. Since then in plan for power generation, plans have sector under structural reforms in the the past 70 years (1901-1971) the in- been made to import power from power sector. In the energy sector as stalled capacity was 548 MW, whereas neighboring countries under regional well as in the power sector, various or- under the visionary leadership of and sub-regional cooperation. Electric- ganizations and companies were Bangabandhu, despite the several de- ity is being imported from neighboring formed through structural reforms. velopment constraints, the installed ca- India since 2013. More emphasis has pacity of electricity was increased to Subsequently after taking the responsi- been laid on solar power-based power 766 MW in 1975-76 FY by adding 219 bility of running the country through the generation with the aim of generating MW of new power in just three and a 2008 elections, Bangladesh started to 10 percent of total generated electricity half years. stand up again holding the hand of the from renewable energy sources. people's leader Sheikh Hasina. In 2009, Bangabandhu realized that power and With the "Sheikh Hasinar Uddyog, the situation was terrible all over the energy are the driving forces of socio- Ghore Ghore Biddyut' initiative to en- world. Taking this horrible situation as economic development of the country. sure electricity in every house and re- a challenge, the Hon'ble Prime Minister Therefore, for the long-term energy se- liable electricity facilities for all, announced "Vision-2021". She an- curity of the country, he established various plans have been taken to meet nounced that by 2021, electricity will state ownership in 5 gas fields (Titas, the target of generating 40,000 MW reach to every household. Bangladesh Habiganj, Rashidpur, Kailashtila and by 2030 and 60,000 MW by 2041. will be a digital Bangladesh and Bakhrabad) on 9 August 1975 by pur- Since January 2009, 20,293 MW of Bangladesh will be a middle income chasing from the then multinational country. electricity has been added to the na- Shell Oil Company for a nominal 4.5 tional grid. As a result, the installed million pound. On the other hand, the The Prime Minister has kept her prom- capacity of electricity has been in- Bangabandhu government took over ise to the nation. Before 2021, electric- creased to 25,235 MW including cap- the responsibility of ESSO Eastern Inc. ity has now reached to almost tive, which is more than the target set

August 1, 2021 26 by the government and the target has The overall system loss of electricity In conclusion, Dadhichi sacrificed been achieved ahead of schedule. At has come down to about 5 percent his life to make lightning with his present, the access to electricity has from 16.75 percent in FY 2008-09 to bones. Bangabandhu has left for us increased from 64 to 99.5 percent. Be- 11.23 percent in FY 2019-20. the infallible and invincible sides, 41 power plants with a capacity Bangladesh has already evolved from weapon of his ideology with his of 15,082 MW are under construction, a least developed country to a devel- own sacrificed blood. Now it is the contracts have been signed for 12 oping country. The contribution of the time to be united, determined and power plants with a capacity of 2,765 carrying this weapon in hand and MW and tenders for 6 power plants power sector behind this success is un- with a capacity of 650 MW are under deniable. Under the leadership of the wait for the transformation of process. Plans have been made to set Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country into the Sonar Bangla up 16 more power plants with a ca- Bangladesh is moving forward to es- of Bangabandhu's dream. Under pacity of 19,100 MW in the near fu- tablish the Sonar Bangla. We are now the leadership of Bangabandhu's ture. Steps have been taken to celebrating the 'Mujib Borsho', the daughter, the main goal of the gov- generate additional power through birth centenary of Father of the Nation ernment is to build this Sonar conservation and repair of old power Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bangla of Bangabandhu's dream by plants. During the last two terms of the and the golden jubilee of our inde- 2041. Therefore, August 15 is the government, extensive activities have pendence. Successful implementation day for Bangladesh to take oath and been undertaken for the construction of 'Bangladesh in Progress and Pros- determination. August 15 is not of power transmission and distribution perity' is on track. By 2041, in line only a day of mourning; rather also lines. Notable progress has been made a day to let grief turn into strength. in the construction of transmission and with the target of achieving SDG 2030, the government's commitment to the distribution lines. At present, the trans- EP mission line capacity has been in- nation is to build a happy, and pros- creased to 12,836 circuit kilometers perous future to build the lifelong cher- Mohammad Hossain; and the distribution lines has been in- ished dream of the Father of the Nation Director General, Power Cell, Ministry creased to 620 thousand kilometers. - 'Sonar Bangla’. of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources

August 1, 2021 27

Renewable

ybrid Power Systems have made solar PV and wind Plant’, brings about more flexi- (HPSs), as the name im- the most commonly employed bility in the system, that is, the Hplies, combine two or renewable energy sources in ability to respond to both pre- more modes of electricity gener- HPSs. Wind and solar PV plants dicted and unanticipated ation together, typically using when operated on standalone changes in demand and supply. renewable technologies like basis normally yields low-capac- Optimum configuration of an solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind ity utilization, while an HPS HPS depends on life-cycle costs turbines. HPSs provide a high combining wind and solar PV as- which can be determined using degree of energy security sures higher capacity utilization. optimization techniques or sim- through the mix of generation Furthermore, the power solution ulation software. Software, such methods and they often include provided by an HPS is more con- as HOMER and HOMER Pro are a storage device or a small fos- sistent and fluctuates less than the most popular and are used sil-fueled generator to ensure each of the two subsystems. globally by researchers and util- supply reliability and security. HPSs may be configured from a ity developers in designing simple (Figure:1) to more com- HPSs. The combination of wind and plex (Figure:2) models such as The utilization of readily avail- solar has the advantage that the (i) Solar PV — Diesel (ii) Wind — able renewable energy sources two sources complement each Diesel, (iii) Wind — Solar PV, (iv) in HPSs reduces the use of fossil other because the peak operat- Wind— Solar PV - Diesel with or fuel, resulting in lower green- ing times for each system occur without battery backup. An HPS house gas (GHG) emissions. at different times of the day and with a Battery Energy Storage Studies have shown that HPSs year. High technological matu- System (BESS), often referred to give technical and economic rity and ease of implementation as ‘BESS Integrated Hybrid benefits, in addition to environ- A Simple HPS Model mental benefits, as compared to single source or traditional power systems. Renewable- based HPSs are becoming more popular as stand-alone power G systems for providing electricity Inverter in remote areas as a result of ad- PV Array Diesel Generator vancements in renewable energy technologies and subsequent in- creases in petroleum prices. L Zion Market Research’s latest T analysis titled “Solar Wind Hy- brid Systems Market by Type Battery AC Load (Stand-Alone System and On-

August 1, 2021 29 Grid System), by Power Rating HPS Model with Wind-PV-Diesel-Battery (Up to 10kW, 11 kW—100 kW, and Above 100 kW), and by Application (Residential, Com- mercial, and Industrial): Global Industry Perspective, Compre- hensive Analysis and Forecast, Wind Turbine Battery Storage 2018—2025”, published in 2019, reveals that the global solar wind hybrid systems market was Inverter USD 895 million in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 1,592 PV Panels million by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of Diesel Generator AC-Load AC-Bus DC-Bus 8.57 % between 2019 and 2025.

Under current market conditions the study, such an environment vulnerable to climate change. in Bangladesh, renewable en- friendly system can mitigate Remote islands like St. Martin's, ergy appears to be more expen- about 25 tonnes of CO2 per Kutubdia, Manpura and Bhasan sive than conventional energy; year1. The authors also con- Char, to name a few, might ben- however, the cost of energy ducted a feasibility study at Ku- efit from BESS integrated Wind- might be reduced by integrating tubdia, an island of Cox’s Bazar PV HPS. Deployment of this sort renewable energy sources rather district in the southern coast of of HPSs in the islands will help than using them independently. Bangladesh. This study indicates reduce GHG from the local at- In any case, before implement- wind-PV-diesel system is feasi- mosphere, eventually aiding in ing a renewable energy-based ble with 0% capacity of shortage the attainment of the Paris Cli- hybrid system to generate elec- and wind-diesel system is feasi- mate Agreement's Nationally tricity, it is required to study the ble with 5% annual capacity of Determined Contribution (NDC). renewable resources, proper siz- shortage. As 5% annual capacity Moreover, it will contribute to ing of the system with respect to of shortage can be considered, energy autonomy of the islands load demand and energy eco- the wind-diesel hybrid system as defined by an energy system's nomics. Back in 2009, S. K. will reduce net present cost as ability to operate solely through Nandi and H.R. Gosh investi- well as cost of energy up to 20% its own local production, stor- gated the BESS integrated Wind- and the diesel consumption on age, and distribution networks PV HPS for a typical community the island can be reduced to while also advancing local envi- load in Sitakunda, a coastal up- about 50% of its present annual ronmental and social goals. azilla in Chattogram district. consumption. Such a hybrid sys- [Nandi S.K. and Gosh H.R., A They found the least cost of tem will reduce about 44% GHG wind -PV-battery hybrid power electricity was about USD from the local atmosphere2. In system at Sitakunda in 0.363/kWh for a community Bangladesh, the HPS is only Bangladesh. Energy Policy 2009; using 169 kWh/day with 61 kWp used in solar mini-grids with a 37: 3659-64.] and having minimum amount of solar PV-Diesel configuration unused energy. The study also with battery backup. However, [2Nandi S.K. and Gosh H.R., found that the BESS integrated any wind-solar PV-based HPS Techno- economic analysis of off- Wind-PV HPS was economically has yet to be deployed in the grid hybrid systems at Kutubdia Is- viable as a grid energy replace- country, according to research land, Bangladesh. Energy Policy ment for a community located at findings. 2010; 38: 976-80.] a minimum of 17 kilometers EP away from the grid. Compared Due to its geographical location, to the existing fossil fuel-based Bangladesh, particularly the Mohammad Alauddin; electricity supply, according to coastal areas, is exceptionally Chairman of SREDA

August 1, 2021 30 Article

Dream of Bangabandhu Challenges and Opportunities of Energy Security

Mortuza Ahmad Faruque

here is a huge demand for oil, government is taking the country to- following governments, affecting the gas, electricity and energy in our wards development by ensuring en- mining and construction of nuclear Tdaily life as well as in the activ- ergy security, inventing new sources power plant. ities of agriculture, industry and serv- of energy, diversification of energy The first major step towards nuclear ices. Uninterrupted energy supply is a use, and expanding regional cooper- energy development was the estab- very important pre-requisite to boost ation. Power is the main driving force lishment of Bangladesh Anobik Shakti a country's economic growth. Since of our national growth, poverty alle- Kamishon, later renamed as the beginning of independence of viation and socio-economic develop- Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commis- Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh ment. sion (BAEC). In accordance with the Mujibur Rahman gave top priority to Bangabandhu had a great vision to vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu- sustainable development of the en- develop our energy and power sector. jibur Rahman, the BAEC had taken a ergy sector, aiming to ensure supply He thought about long term energy project to set up a 600 MW nuclear of energy at an affordable price security for smooth growth and devel- power plant at Rooppur. A few through exploration of own natural opment of our economy. He realized preparatory activities, including resources like oil, gas and coal and to that without self-sufficiency in power human resource development, were ensure their optimum utilization. and energy, it would not be possible initiated during his period. Only six days before assassination of to uplift the fate of our country as well Bangabandhu, he had taken a great However, the farsightedness of Banga- as it is very important for industrial decision to purchase five gas fields bandhu had achieved the five gas and economic development. viz; Titas, Bakhrabad, Habiganj, fields having a proven reserve of 15.4 Kailashtila and Rashidpur from Shell Bangabandhu believed that our off- Tcf gas. Presently, these fields are sup- Oil Company. On 9 August 1975, shore might have substantial reserve plying daily average of around 700 these fields were bought only at 4.5 of petroleum resources. He thought MMcf gas which is 30% of the coun- million pound sterling to acquire the that if these could be explored and try`s total gas supply. Until Dec`20, ownership of these gas fields. exploited properly, it would ensure about 9.8 Tcf gas has been extracted Shortly after the independence, long term energy security. He in- while 5.6 Tcf remains as a reserve. Bangabandhu looked into the issue structed Dr. Kamal Hossain to formu- The five gas fields have made com- of harnessing Bangladesh’s own re- late a model of Production Sharing mendable contribution to ensuring sources on top priority. On 9 August Contract and after that went for PSC national energy security through sup- 1975, the great leader Banga- bidding in early 1975. Through the plying cheap gas for power genera- bandhu made a far-sighted decision process, the then government had en- tion and industrial development. Even to purchase five gas fields from now these fields contribute about Shell Oil, a British Oil Company. gaged six reputed IOCs for exploring 30% of the total gas production. His Since taking over by the state, these mainly oil in eight offshore Blocks in gas fields have been playing an im- the Bay of Bengal. historic decision had led to ensuring primary fuel supply security. portant role in the economic devel- The development sprit has been se- opment and energy security of our verely affected with the killing of Till now, 28 gas fields have been dis- country as producers of compara- Bangabandhu. The oil and gas explo- covered in the country. The total ini- tively affordable fuels. ration works in the offshore tial gas in place is 39.8 Tcf, out of Following Bangabandhu, the present Bangladesh was relinquished by the which 28 Tcf is recoverable (proven

August 1, 2021 31 and probable). From 1960 to June Gas Reserve and Production Scenario of Five Gas Fields 2021, a total of 17.6 Tcf gas has been produced and the remaining reserve Cumulative No of GIIP Proven Recoverable Gas Remaining is 9.4 Tcf only. Gas Producing + Probable Reserve Production Reserve Field The present government under the wells Tcf in Tcf upto Dec in Tcf leadership of Sheikh Hasina has been 2020 in Tcf working relentlessly to fulfill the Titas 26 8.1 6.40 4.97 1.43 dream and vision of Bangabandhu Habiganj 8 3.7 2.60 2.56 0.04 particularly in the energy sector along Bakhrabad 7 1.7 1.20 0.84 0.36 with other sectors as well. The gov- Kailashtila 4 3.6 2.80 0.77 2.03 ernment has many successes as well as challenges. Rashidpur 5 3.7 2.40 0.66 1.74 Total: 50 20.8 15.40 9.81 5.59 Under the proficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which is not enough to meet our de- 13792MW. Bangladesh is thriving towards devel- mand. As a result, the government has The Bangladesh government is work- opment and progressing noticeably. started importing LNG since 2018 at ing with neighboring countries for re- As the fastest growing economy of a higher cost. Consequently, the gov- gional cooperation and importing South Asia, Bangladesh has already ernment had to increase the power electricity. Already 1160MW power is been upgraded from least developed tariff repeatedly. Some projects have being imported from India since country category and progressing to- been taken to modernize the trans- March 2016. A decision has been wards becoming a developing nation. mission and distribution system, but taken to import 500MW electricity by effective measures needed to be taken Power Scenario 2021. A contract has been signed to improve the quality of customer In the light of the growing power de- with Adani Group, India to import service. mand of the country, the established 1,600MW from coal based power production capacity has increased Diversification of Energy plants of Jharkhand. A feasibility study over time. Just after the independence To reduce the dependence on natural is going on to import 2,000MW of Bangladesh, the highest generation gas and diversification of energy, the hydro-power from India. of electricity was 225MW which is government has already started in- Apart from that, the government has 13,792MW in June 2021 and during creasing electricity generation by June 2009, the power generation ca- taken an initiative on cross border using coal, dual fuel and importing pacity was only 4,9942MW. trade of electricity through bilateral electricity. The construction of Roop- cooperation with Nepal, Bhutan and In view of the continuous increase in pur Nuclear Power Plant is in the Myanmar. Effort has been taken to im- the demand for electricity, the present progress and is expected to supply port hydro-power from Nepal. An ini- government is continuing its efforts to 2400MW electricity by 2024. Apart tiative has been taken to import increase power generation through from that, the government has taken 2,000MW power from Nepal. An various measures. Power generation different steps to produce environ- MoU has been signed with GMR capacity has increased over time and group, India and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar ment-friendly electricity from renew- the total generation is also increasing. Nigam Ltd. in order to import 500MW able energy. At present, 650MW The power generation capacity was electricity from Nepal. In addition, an only 4,942MW in 2009. But after electricity is being generated from re- initiative has been taken to import Sheikh Hasina came to power, the newable sources. Furthermore, hydro power from Bhutan. A tripartite power generation capacity including 685MW renewable projects are under MoU is signed between Bangladesh- captive and renewable energy construction. India and Bhutan in order to construct reached to 25,227MW. a power plant through joint invest- Cross Border Trade ment. During the period from 2009 till date, For mitigating the growing demand the government started using fuel oil for electricity and to provide the elec- Challenges to generate power as a contingency tricity to all by 2021, the power gen- Access to uninterrupted, adequate, re- measure and now the contribution of eration capacity already reached to liable, cheap, stable and sustainable diesel and furnace oil to power gen- 25227MW. The capacity will increase energy has become essential for the eration reached to more than 40 per- to 40000MW by 2030 and 60000MW modern societies. Ensuring energy se- cent. During this period, gas by 2041 as per plan. Maximum power curity is of critical importance in production increased by 1,000 generation was 4066MW in 2009 terms of economic stability and sus- MMcfd to around 2750 MMcfd, which was already increased to tainable growth. Interruptions in the

August 1, 2021 32 energy supply can cause Advertisement coal-fired power plants by serious economic and so- importing coal and taken ini- cial losses. Lack of energy tiative for importing 4,000 security discourages in- MMcfd of LNG, out of which vestors by threatening pro- already receiving 1000 duction and increasing MMcfd through the FSRU. costs. The most important goal is to ensure sustain- Now, there is hardly any able economic growth of loadshedding of electricity, Bangladesh. Energy is but there is still no room for closely associated with all complacency as we need to economic and social as- ensure uninterrupted power pects of sustainable supply to the rural areas. The growth. Ensuring sustain- transmission system needs to able economic growth as be upgraded quite exten- well as increasing quality sively. of life which depends on At present, more than 99.5 energy security and afford- percent of the total popula- able price of energy. The tion has access to electricity current state of energy se- which is an enormous suc- curity in Bangladesh, cess of the present govern- which is substantially de- ment. Very soon, all the pendent on import to meet people of Bangladesh will our energy needs. get access to electricity. The government took several ini- Due to limited domestic en- tiatives to meet the increas- ergy production, our energy ing demand for electricity. demand is substantially met We may look into assistance by imports. Under the cur- from the donor`s for devel- rent conditions, Bangladesh opment and incorporation of will continue to depend Apprehending that if we are unable to modern technology. There is an oppor- upon imports to meet its energy needs find out any new big gas field(s), the re- tunity to work together on power con- in the foreseeable future. Ensuring secu- serves of natural gas will be exhausted servation, waste to power, wind power, rity of the energy supply is thus an im- by the year of 2031. The government power from ocean energy, human re- portant part of decreasing the has failed to expedite hydrocarbon ex- source development, electric vehicles dependence on imported energy inputs ploration in the onshore and offshore etc. It is also necessary to be taken proj- and providing uninterrupted availability areas. As a result, expected develop- ects towards exploiting own coal re- of energy at an affordable price. ment of the energy sector did not take serve and expediting petroleum Considering global market conditions, place. The government is trying to en- resources exploitation. importing energy in a constant and eco- sure sustainable development of the Developing Bangladesh into a nomic manner is not always possible. It power and energy sector. Sonar Bangla was a vision of Banga- is necessary to prioritize and exploit do- The price of energy and power must be bandhu. But Prime Minister Sheikh mestic resources. As a result of rapid kept affordable so that the Banga- Hasina is the torchbearer of the economic growth and increasing level bandhu’s dream of making the country dream. Led by the prudent govern- of wealth, Bangladesh is experiencing as a Sonar Bangla becomes true. But en- ment policies and driven by a vi- rising demand for energy in every aspect suring the price affordable would re- brant, productive workforce, the of its economic and social life. Indeed, main intangible unless the country country has achieved high eco- disruptions in energy procurement can could explore the own energy resources nomic growth in the last 10 years lead to various problems including un- like coal and gas. and is on course to attain many of stable growth and loss of wealth. Thus the targets set under the govern- Due to a very limited exploration and the continuous availability of energy in ment`s vision 2021. development of new gas resources, nat- varied forms and in quantities which is EP sufficient to ensure sustainable develop- ural gas reserve is depleting fast. Huge ment, a smoothly functioning economy, potential in the offshore remains virtu- Mortuza Ahmad Faruque; and welfare improvement, must be en- ally unexplored. The government in the Energy Specialist and Former sured. process of implementing several large Managing Director, BAPEX

August 1, 2021 33

SDGs

Introduction: of local, regional and national govern- in accordance with their respective pro- The high-level Summit on Energy, ments, academicians, energy stakehold- grams of support. scheduled to take place in September ers, private investors, civil society, and UN General Assembly Mandate on 2021 in New York during the 76th ses- young leaders. The forums provided SDG sion of the UN General Assembly, will highly motivated commitments ahead of be the first global gathering on energy the Summit in September 2021. The The General Assembly, through resolu- under the auspices of the UN resolution outcomes of the dialogue on energy ac- tion 74/225, invited the Secretary-Gen- 74/225 (adopted on 19 December 2019 cess are parts of the global roadmap eral, with the support of the relevant ensuring access to affordable, reliable, with concrete actions to achieve clean, United Nations system entities, to con- sustainable energy for all) since the UN affordable energy for all by 2030 and vene this high-level dialogue in 2021 to Conference on New and Renewable net-zero emissions by 2050, launched promote implementation of the energy- Sources of Energy in 1981. The Summit by the United Nations and set the related goals and targets of the 2030 seeks to promote implementation of the groundwork for a large-scale mobiliza- Agenda for Sustainable Development; energy-related goals and targets of the tion of commitments in 2021. support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- United Nations Decade of Sustainable SDG-7 Targets ment and its Sustainable Development Energy for All (2014—2024), including Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement SDG-7: Ensuring access to affordable, the global plan of actions for the on climate change, as well as to accel- reliable, sustainable and modern energy Decade. The energy for sustainable de- erate ambition towards the achievement for all. velopment has been emphasized in of SDG-7 (affordable and clean energy). 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to 2012, when the General Assembly affordable, reliable and modern energy adopted resolution 67/215, declared the To make this Summit a successful and services. Decade of Sustainable Energy for All remarkable milestone towards Net-Zero 2014—2024, and called for rapid imple- 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the carbon emissions by 2050, an advance mentation of strategic objectives of the share of renewable energy in the global preparatory High-Level UN Ministerial global plan of actions. In September energy mix. Thematic Dialogue on energy was held 2015, the General Assembly adopted virtually on 21-25 June 2021 with shar- 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Devel- ing the technical working group reports improvement in energy efficiency. opment setting-out 17 goals and 169 and recommendations of five forums 7.a By 2030, enhance international co- targets, including SDG-7 on energy with theme focusing on: (i) Energy Access, (ii) operation to facilitate access to clean focusing on energy access, renewables, Energy Transitions, (iii) Enabling SDGs energy research and technology, includ- energy efficiency, and means of imple- through Inclusive, Just Energy Transi- ing renewable energy, energy efficiency mentation. In 2018, the high-level Polit- tions, (iv) Innovation, Technology and and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel ical Forum for Sustainable Development Data, and (v) the Finance and Invest- technology, and promote investment in conducted the first review of the imple- ment, in support of SDG-7 achieve- energy infrastructure and clean energy mentation of SDG-7, calling for scaled- ments. technology. up actions to meet its targets by 2030. The dialogue has been successfully con- 7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and Energy and COVID-19 cluded with around 1500 participants, upgrade technology for supplying mod- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- 330 speakers in 80 side-events, 50 Min- ern and sustainable energy services for velopment, with its 17 Goals (SDGs), isters of member-states, 20 executive all in developing countries, in particular and the Paris Agreement on climate heads of UN entities and international least developed countries, small islands, change provided a pathway for a pros- organizations, including representatives and land-locked developing countries,

August 1, 2021 35 perous, equitable and sustainable future for people and the planet. But the world is at risk of falling short of achieving many SDGs by 2030. At the same time, while COVID-19 is the most urgent threat facing humanity today, climate change remains the biggest threat over the long term and progress towards dealing with it remains completely in- adequate. Energy can play a central role in coun- tries’ efforts to recover from the COVID- 19 crisis in ways that make them better, stronger and more resilient. Energy serv- ices are essential for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic- including for Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary­General addressing in the HLDE, 21­25 June 2021 powering healthcare facilities and keep- ment, innovation, new technologies, ca- Achieving Universal Access to ing medicines cold, supplying clean pacity building and quality data for Clean Cooking and Access to water for hand washing, and powering SDG-7 acceleration, including maximiz- Electricity: communications services to connect ing its contribution to combatting cli- This dialogue highlighted the immediate people, share information, and facilitate mate change; (f) Strengthen synergies call for actions, as there is still high de- education during social distancing. At with major intergovernmental processes, pendence on solid biomass cooking the same time, the COVID-19 crisis including on transport, ocean, biodiver- with environmental and health conse- could cause serious slowdowns on sity, gender equality, food systems and quences. The urgent action is needed to SDG-7 progress, depending on the pri- climate change; and (g) Accelerate de- accelerate the energy transition to clean orities of national recovery efforts. In- livery of UN support and services for cooking; and associate principle actions creased investments in sustainable Member States on energy-related issues are: strengthening opportunities for mar- energy solutions will be crucial to aid at all levels. ginalized people; addressing clean countries in responding to the COVID- cooking in national plans and policies; 19 pandemic. Opening Session integrating clean cooking into health Implementation Plan on SDG-7 The UN Secretary-General António and gender policies; providing financial Targets Guterres said- the world is ‘running far support for energy transition; increasing behind in the race against time’ to The principal goal of the high-level Di- consumer awareness; and incentivizing achieve SDG-7 targets by 2030, and the alogue on Energy is to promote the im- to innovation. ‘Power for All’ theme is goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. He plementation of the energy-related goals to contribute greatly to the end of en- called on every country, city, financial and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sus- ergy scarcity. The main challenges are: institution, and company to raise ambi- tainable Development. The Dialogue access to finance; access to innovation tion and submit ‘energy compacts’. raised the ambition and accelerate ac- on the business model side; lack of a The UN-Energy Secretary-General and tions towards the achievement of the conducive policy environment; remote- the Under-Secretary-General for Eco- SDG-7 targets by catalyzing innovative ness; and lack of security. nomic and Social Affairs, Liu Zhenmin, solutions, investments and multi-stake- explained that the five Thematic Forums Panel Recommendations: holder partnerships in support of the would produce two outcomes: a sum- (a) concrete international assistance to Decade of Action (2014—2024) to de- mary to inform a political roadmap for help governments for actionable plans liver the SDGs and accelerate the imple- concrete actions toward achieving and compacts that include clean cook- mentation of the Paris Agreement. clean and affordable energy for all by ing; (c) develop cooperation between The objectives of the plan: 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050; health, energy, and other sectors; (d) (a) Strengthen political commitment to and a series of energy compacts. The making gender a key part of the plan; (e) the achievement of SDG-7; (b) Promote UN-Energy Co-Chair and Administrator improving livelihoods through clean green recovery from the COVID-19 pan- of the UNDP, Achim Steiner, said the cooking value chains; (f) increased use demic through sustainable, decar- world ‘stands on the edge of a historic of digital tools to share information in bonized energy solutions; (c) Catalyze inclining point’, a clean energy revolu- real time, focusing on supply and de- multi-stakeholder partnerships and vol- tion that will radically reshape our mand data; (g) ensure energy access for untary commitments by all stakeholders; economies and societies. the poorest and most marginalized com- (d) Leverage energy action for advancing munities, in order to ensure no one is other SDGs; (e) Catalyze finance, invest- A. Theme on Energy Access left behind; (h) need to prepare individ-

August 1, 2021 36 ual national energy strategy; (i) need for efficient use of natural gas, the cleanest fossil-fuel; and (k) access to clean cook- ing and electricity must increase aim to 100% by 2030. B. Theme on Energy Transition: The session emphasized that the devel- oped countries need to provide capac- ity, expertise, and financial support, while partner countries need to support UN­HLDE Meeting Room for Energy Thematic Working Group the energy transition by reforming the the world, and need to make women in and reliable energy transmission, distri- policies to promote the use of renew- the sector more visible, increase their bution, and storage; and access to clean ables to developing countries and LDCs. role and expand their networks through energy. The panel on ‘Advancing SDG- The panel highlighted that energy effi- education. 7 through sustainable COVID-19 recov- ciency must remain on top of the global eries’ highlighted the world’s dual D. Theme on Innovation, agenda, not only because of climate race towards net-zero emissions and to- Technology and Data: change, but also because of co-benefits wards 100% energy access. such as job creation, cost-savings for The session highlighted that the technol- consumers, and increased competitive- ogy and digitalization can concrete the Conclusions: ness. The panel on: ‘Coal to clean: en- way for future clean energy solutions, The steps on the road to achieving SDG- ergy transition strategies to match transformation, and reliable data for pol- 7 is the energy Summit itself, scheduled short-term actions with long-term objec- icymaking and planning in energy sec- for September 2021, and expected to tives’ also called for an equitable, in- tor, that is ‘better data for low carbon produce two main outcomes: a global clusive, and just transition to achieve energy’ require accurate, timely, and roadmap for concrete actions needed to country-specific clean energy alongside reliable sources. The theme is important achieve SDG-7; and more energy com- energy access by focusing on private for food system which use 30% of en- pacts setting-out voluntary commit- sector; eliminating coal use globally by ergy and produce 30% of greenhouse ments and actions. The reports, findings, 2040; making renewables 70% by 2030 gas emissions. To overcome the chal- and the recommendations of the UN and almost 100% by 2050; building lenges, needed for: holistic use of re- energy dialogue will form the backbone support for green energy sector in devel- newable energy, in combination with of a global roadmap to achieve SDG-7 oping countries; and financing for de- other methods; and a sustainable food targets by 2030, and net-zero emissions commissioning coal plants. production sector, meaning energy effi- by 2050, to be discussed in the UN En- C. Theme on Enabling SDGs through ciency, irrigation efficiency, and sustain- ergy Summit on 20 September 2021. Inclusive, Just Energy Transitions: able crops. Despite the shortfalls, SDG-7 is still within reach, the present efforts of the E. Theme on Finance and The session highlighted the role of clean energy Dialogue and energy Summit are Investment: energy in ensuring health and food se- significantly to be accelerated. Achiev- curity, both saving lives, and noted that The session urged for financing mecha- ing the SDG-7 targets, will require energy equals health, and health re- nisms to advance energy access projects strengthened political will, increased quires clean and reliable energy. Speak- to include all options, all technologies, levels of investment and scaled-up ers pointed out that lack of energy and all fuels that can help for achieving multi-stakeholder partnerships. All access causes bad health outcomes aris- SDG-7; align with the Paris Agreement; stakeholders need to step-up to achieve ing from indoor air pollution of unsafe and allow countries to pursue sustain- universal energy access and accelerate cooking methods, and ill-equipped able development, lower-cost capital clean energy transitions in support of healthcare centers. The panel called for with greater availability and accelerate the SDG Agenda and the Paris Agree- consideration of the needs of the urban shifting global financial flows towards ment. poor living in informal communities the energy transition. The session esti- EP who have no access to modern health- mates that the annual clean energy in- care facilities, stressing that access and vestment must exceed USD 4 trillion by AKM Monowar Hossain Akhand; quality of energy are linked to good 2030, three times more than its present Former Additional Secretary (Director) health and wellbeing. The panel on en- five-year average. The Green Climate Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission ergy and gender, emphasized that gen- Fund has invested USD 2.5 billion in 49 Email: [email protected] der-responsive policies and programs developing countries and is helping de- are an inherent element of a just energy veloping countries scale up renewables (Sources: Virtual meeting notes, Reports transition. It is noted that the energy sec- by removing barriers in: energy genera- on UN Energy, IISD, and Earth Negotia- tor is male dominated in most parts of tion from renewable sources; efficient tions Bulletins, June 26, 2021)

August 1, 2021 37

Report Total Energies in $750MM+ China Now Australia’s Top LNG Deal LNG Export Destination

nergyQuest has published Northern Territory was down Ethe latest Australian LNG by 6 per cent to 8.8Mt, the Monthly, revealing that Aus- East Coast had a record pro- tralia exported 77.2Mt of duction of 23.3Mt, up 4 per LNG in the past year to 30 cent from FY2020 and net June 2021 and that China has gas flows from Queensland now overtaken Japan as Aus- to other states were 3.5PJ in tralia’s top export destination. June. The monthly update forecasts Queensland short-term do- FY2022 LNG exports of 80Mt mestic gas prices in June and a $17 billion increase in were much higher averaging LNG export revenue, whilst $10.31/GJ ($7.32/GJ in May) average oil prices in FY2021 at Wallumbilla and $10.80 n a statement posted on an experienced infra- were similar to FY2020, with /GJ ($7.56/GJ) in Brisbane, Iits website, the com- structure partner,” Jean- spot LNG prices averaging compared to those in May. 57 per cent higher than the pany outlined that it has Pierre Sbraire, the chief Southern short-term domestic year before. completed a transaction financial officer (CFO) of gas prices in June were also with GIP, in relation to TotalEnergies, said in a East coast spot prices have much higher compared to the downstream facilities company statement. spiked in July, due to cold those in May, averaging of Gladstone LNG, which weather, high international $11.06/GJ ($7.51/GJ) in Syd- “This monetization of in- is owned by Total GLNG prices, outages at Longford ney, $11.41/GJ ($7.48/GJ) in frastructure assets con- Australia (TGA), for a and coal-fired power genera- Adelaide and $9.36/GJ tributes to focusing tion rather than LNG exports. ($6.33/GJ) in Victoria. consideration of more further TotalEnergies’ cap- than $750 million. Across Australia, Western Gas had a 15 per cent share ital on core producing as- Australian LNG production in Queensland and 46 per As part of the deal, GIP sets and fully reflects was down by 5 per cent in cent in South Australia. will receive a throughput- TotalEnergies’ active port- FY2020 to 45.1Mt, the EP based tolling fee calcu- folio management,” the lated on TGA’s share of TotalEnergies CFO added. Adani Electricity Mumbai Issues gas processed through the The Gladstone LNG downstream facilities $2b Sustainability-Linked Bonds project comprises the over a period of 15 years, production of natural dani Electricity Mumbai high quality real money TotalEnergies highlighted. gas from the Fairview, A(AEML), an integrated global investors and the utilities arm of Adani Trans- global geographical split of Under the agreement, Arcadia, Roma, and Sco- mission, recently said it has the investors was Asia, TGA will retain full con- tia fields, which are lo- set up a $2-billion global EMEA, and North America. trol and ownership of its cated in the medium-term notes pro- The first takedown of $300 27.5 percent interest in Bowen-Surat Basin in gram (GMTN). million was priced through the Gladstone LNG Queensland, Australia, It added that the GMTN 10-year notes. downstream joint ven- and its transportation program and the sustain- ’ ture, Rigzone reports. over approximately 250 ability-linked bond is- With this, the company s miles to a gas liquefac- capital management plan The deal has an effective suance is the next step in its tion plant in the indus- capital management plan. enters the second phase date of January 1, 2021. trial port of Gladstone, with 100 per cent of the AEML also settled the “We have worked closely northeast of Brisbane, term debt being placed in maiden takedown of $300 with GIP to achieve this on the eastern coast of million under the program the international capital infrastructure transaction Australia, TotalEnergies recently. The order-book for markets with the overall and are happy of this first highlights on its web- the takedown was oversub- maturity now increased to collaboration with such site. EP scribed by 9.2 times by about nine years. EP

August 1, 2021 39 Report Govt Allows Captive Plant at Japan Proposes $10b in Finance Araihazar EZ for ASEAN Renewables, LNG apan has offered ASEAN and Industry Hiroshi Ka- Jenergy ministers $10 bil- jiyama told the online meet- lion in public finance for re- ing. newables and LNG projects, "In particular in Asia, where as part of a package of meas- energy demand will grow ures aimed at helping the hereafter, it is essential to group of 10 Southeastern seek diverse and realistic en- Asian economies accelerate ergy transition, by utilizing their moves toward energy possible energy sources and transition. technology, while taking into Register Now The offer, made account each country's pecu- during an extraordinary min- liarity of difference in geo- isterial meeting June 21, graphic characteristics and comes at a time of increasing development phase," Ka- he government has minutes said. pressure in the financial sec- jiyama said. made conditional ap- tor to restrict finance for fossil T The PMO also asked to the Japan's move came after proval for setting up a cap- fuel projects. BEZA for reviewing the Prime Minister Yoshihide tive power plant to feed downward adjustment of "For us in Asia, we should not Suga's pledge during the re- requirement of electricity DPP for implementing the miss this trend on board and cent G7 summit to provide at under-construction Arai- EZ project as the Japanese see this an opportunity to comprehensive support to hazar Economic Zone in Araihazar Economic Zone seek both transition to developing countries' realis- Narayanganj. will not require grid power. cleaner society system and tic transition to decarboniza- Prime Minister’s Office sustainable growth," Japan's tion based on individual Grid frequency is a critical made the approval recently Minister of Economy, Trade countries' situations. aspect of power supply op- EP as the Japanese consultant erations, with global stan- firm JV of NIPPON KOEI dards requiring that grid Govt to Source LNG from raised questions over the frequency be kept close to standard of national grid Mid-Term Suppliers 50 hertz (Hz). Fluctuations electricity. in the frequency affect me- he government is plan- suppliers -- Qatar's QatarGas The Bangladesh Power De- chanical equipment, their Tning to involve global and Oman's Oman Trading velopment Board (BPDB) functions and the supply LNG (liquefied natural gas) International (OTI). Both sup- has already suspended the systems as well. suppliers for the mid-term to pliers were selected through approved the captive meet the mounting demand negotiations. Power Division said the for natural gas in the country. power plants aiming to The state-run oil, gas and government will need at maximum use the grid State-run Petrobangla would mineral corporation is also electricity. least three years to stabi- import the fuel from such importing LNG from the spot lize the power grid fre- suppliers for a period from market through competitive “Japanese Araihazar Eco- quency. five to eight years under con- biddings from 18 selected nomic Zone (EZ) in tract terms, a senior energy suppliers. Narayanganj will take The Japanese firm has ministry official said. Petrobangla has planned to necessary step for setting raised questions over the The official, however, did not import a total of 64 LNG up captive power plant to frequency of 230KV grid elaborate the mechanism on cargoes in 2021 from the maintain stable frequency how to select the suppliers. run by state-owned Power term suppliers, which are and voltage. But the EZs Currently, Petrobangla is im- two cargoes or 3.0 per cent don’t sale electricity to Grid Company of porting the LNG under the less than that of the previ- BPDB,” PMO meeting Bangladesh (PGCB). ous year. EP long-term deals from two EP

August 1, 2021 40 Report Global Electricity Demand Growing Green Energy Share on Gradual Rise Faster Than Renewables: IEA for Sustainable Fuel Mix: Nasrul

enewables are expanding The majority of the increase Rquickly but not enough to in electricity demand is ex- satisfy a strong rebound in pected to come from the Asia global electricity demand this Pacific region, primarily year, resulting in a sharp rise China and India. in the use of coal power that Based on current policy set- risks pushing carbon dioxide tings and economic trends, emissions from the electricity electricity generation from re- sector to record levels next newables — including hy- year, says a new report from dropower, wind and solar PV tate Minister for Power, “But the reserve of natural the International Energy Energy and Mineral Re- gas is declining. Exploration — is on track to grow strongly S Agency. sources Nasrul Hamid re- activities will be strengthened around the world over the After falling by about 1 per- cently said the share of clean and import of liquefied natu- next two years — by 8 percent and green energy has been ral gas will also be given im- cent in 2020 due to the im- in 2021 and by more than 6 increasing gradually for en- portance,” he added. pacts of the Covid-19 percent in 2022. suring sustainable fuel mix in The MoU was signed between pandemic, global electricity the country. demand is set to grow by close But even with this strong Power, Energy and Mineral Re- to 5 percent in 2021 and 4 growth, renewables will “Renewable energy will also sources Ministry of Bangladesh play an important role in this and Economic Planning Unit, percent in 2022 — driven by only be able to meet energy mix,” he said at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s the global economic recovery around half the projected increase in global electric- virtual signing ceremony of Department on cooperation — according to the latest edi- Memorandum of Under- for LNG supply. ’ ity demand over those two tion of the IEA s semi-annual standing (MoU) with Electricity Market Report re- years, according to the Bangladesh State Minister for Malaysia for LNG supply to Power, Energy and Mineral leased recently. new IEA report. EP Bangladesh. Resources Nasrul Hamid and Nasrul Hamid said that ac- Mustapa Mohamed, Minister MAN Energy Solutions Confirms cording to the power system in the Prime Minister's De- master plan, Bangladesh will partment (Economy) Eco- World-First LAES Project require 3,150 mmcfd of gas nomic Planning Unit signed per day for power generation the MoU on behalf of their AN Energy Solutions the Executive Board of MAN in 2041. respective sides. EP Mhas formally signed a Energy Solutions said: “It has contract to provide its LAES been pending for some time Oil Demand Surges: IEA turbomachinery solution to and it is very pleasing to take il demand surged last by an estimated 3.2 million Highview Power’s CRYOBat- care of the formalities. We Omonth as rising vaccina- barrels per day (mbd) last tery™ facility. have worked hard to get to tion rates helped underpin month, which is more than a this point and cementing this The signing took place at robust economic activity, but third of the overall drop in exciting partnership with Highview’s London offices with OPEC+ nations pump- demand last year. such a high-calibre company ing less than needed prices and follows on the agree- The IEA expects oil demand as Highview Power, a world- are set to be volatile until it ment previously reached by to rise by another 3.3 mbd in leading expert in the storage reaches a deal to raise out- the companies in April 2021. the three months from July. industry is very satisfying.” put, the IEA warned recently. That is more than twice as Highview, a global leader in A meeting of OPEC+ nations large as the seasonal increase long-duration, energy-storage Andy Burnham, the Mayor of earlier this month was dead- registered during the same solutions, is currently con- Greater Manchester added: locked over plans to gradu- period in 2019, which the structing a 50 MW liquid-air, “This world-first project ally ease production cuts, IEA said is a result of easing imposed to reverse the Covid restrictions and in- energy-storage facility — with demonstrates exactly how plunge in oil prices at the creasing vaccination. a minimum of 250MWh — at Greater Manchester is putting start of the coronavirus pan- While OPEC+ had been set to Carrington Village, Greater itself at the forefront of the demic as demand tumbled. gradually raise oil output, the Manchester (UK). next industrial revolution in But demand is rebounding, stalemate means production is Wayne Jones OBE, Chief sustainable low-carbon tech- with the International Energy frozen at current levels until an Sales Officer and Member of nologies.” EP Agency estimating it surged agreement is found. EP

August 1, 2021 41

Integrated Cooperation to Help bp Teams Up with Expand RE: Nasrul Quaybridge to the national grid. At p has formed an exclusive con- least a project can be bsultancy agreement with Quay- taken on a pilot basis,” bridge, a leading UK-based Nasrul Hamid added. renewables consultancy with global expertise in offshore wind. One of the main goals of the COP26 Energy The two will work together to ad- ’ Transition Council vance bp s global offshore wind (COP26 ETC) is to ac- portfolio as part of its zero-carbon celerate energy transi- growth strategy, and accelerate the tions by uniting global building of in-house offshore wind leadership, and facilitat- knowledge for bp. tate Minister for power generation is re- ing financing for clean As part of the new agreement, mem- SPower, Energy and ducing. energy. bers of the Quaybridge team will Mineral Resources Nasrul work closely with bp’s Renewables “Meanwhile, Bangladesh The ETC focus countries Hamid has said inte- Growth business development team. government has can- are - Bangladesh, Egypt, grated technical and fi- celled 10-coalfired power India, Indonesia, Kenya, Quaybridge worked with the bp and nancial cooperation plants having 8,451 MW Laos, Morocco, Nigeria, EnBW teams and successfully won would contribute a lot in generation capacity. Pakistan, Philippines, ‘preferred bidder’ status for the expanding renewable en- Technology requires less Vietnam and South Mona and Morgan Irish Sea leases ergy massively. use of land for solar Africa. in the recent UK Round 4 leasing round. “Developed countries’ power,” he said. Chaired by Damilola cooperation is needed in The state minister said de- Ogunbiyi, vice-president The bp/EnBW consortium and evaluation of renewable sired results could be of CoP26ETC, the func- Quaybridge are participating inde- energy resources. And it achieved with technical tion was attended by, pendently in the ongoing ScotWind is necessary to increase and financial support of among others, Indonesian leasing round, which will not be in the capacity of public experienced countries Energy and Mineral Re- the scope of the consultancy agree- and private sectors,” he and the Energy Transition sources Minister Arifin ment between bp and Quaybridge. said while speaking at a Council to get quality Tasrif, Egypt's Minister of ’ side event on “Clean David Anderson, bp s svp renew- electricity by mapping Power and Renewable Power and Green Grids” ables growth said: “Investing in the offshore wind and marine Energy Dr Mohamed after inauguration of the right skills is critical to success. fuels. Shaker El-Markabi, Niger- Third Ministerial Meeting Quaybridge is trusted and respected ian State for Power in the offshore wind industry for of the COP26 Energy He further said that re- Goddy Jedy Agba, Laos's Transition Council search for waste power, their deep technical expertise and Deputy Minister of En- their entrepreneurial and agile (CoP26 ETC)” recently. wind power and ocean ergy and Mineral Re- energy by the Energy spirit.” Mr. Nasrul joined the sources Dr Sinava Transition Council will be ministerial meeting virtu- Souphanouvong and del- Team Director for Quaybridge, welcomed. ’ ally and said Bangladesh egates from India, Kenya, Colin Morgan commented: “It s fan- tastic to have the opportunity to wants to work in unison “If we get initial invest- Pakistan, Philippines, support bp under this new agree- with all to promote clean ment, huge quantity of South Africa, Morocco ment.” energy, as coal use in electricity will be added and Vietnam. EP EP

August 1, 2021 43 Pakistan Moves Towards 60% Clean Energy by 2030 Sembcorp Launches Rosenholm. Under the agreement, First Solar EV Denmark will support Charging Hub Pakistan’s green transi- tion and will exchange embcorp Industries (Sembcorp), knowledge and provide Sthrough its waste management busi- technical assistance ness SembWaste, launched Singapore’s under the Danish En- first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) ergy Transition Initiative charging hub at its Tuas depot. (DETI). To provide for greener energy, the Tuas The collaboration is depot has been installed with 472 kilo- based on technical ad- watt-peak (kWp) of rooftop solar photo- he government of Pakistan with the vice to be delivered by the Danish En- help of the Denmark government voltaic capacity which will go towards T ergy Agency that will bring four powering the facility. has adopted an ambitious policy for al- technical delegations to Pakistan, in- ternative and renewable energy (ARE) cluding experts from the Danish Trans- In addition, the depot is equipped with ’ to transform Pakistan s energy sector mission System Operator, Energinet, a Smart Energy Management System to EP and generate 60 per cent of all energy and international consultants. through clean and renewable sources by 2030. They will conduct workshops and train- ing to assist in improving the technical A Memorandum of Agreement in this competencies of the Pakistani authori- regard was signed between the repre- ties as well as to exchange knowledge sentatives of the two governments, Pak- and “hands on experience” from the istan’s Minister for Energy Hammad Danish green transition. Azhar and Ambassador of Denmark Lis India to Float 4,000MWh Battery manage its electric power consumption Storage Tenders digitally, enabling efficient monitoring and optimization of energy use. 1000 MWh of storage (each) that will act In support of transport decarbonization as instant intervention mechanism wher- efforts under the Singapore Green Plan, ever and whenever there is any sharp SembWaste is gradually transitioning its fluctuation because of renewables. Part of reliance on diesel-powered trucks to it will work as ancillary to the grid con- electric trucks for refuse and recy- troller and part will be made available to clables collection. the developers for use on a commercial basis,” Singh said at CII AatmaNirbhar Soon, SembWaste will be introducing a Bharat Conference on Self Reliance in Re- fleet of electric trucks to support waste newable Energy Manufacturing. collection in the Clementi-Bukit Merah and City-Punggol municipal sectors. He added the discoms or the industry will he government will float tenders for be able park energy in the storage systems This fleet of electric trucks comprises ’ Tsourcing 4,000 MWh battery storage, during midday or when the wind is heavy approximately 20% of SembWaste s op- power and renewable energy minister R and draw from it during peak hours. erational fleet for these two sectors. K Singh said recently. “We will be adding more storage. We al- The Sembcorp Green EV Charging “We are working on storage. We intend to ready have a PLI scheme. We want that ca- Hub at the Tuas depot will serve as a come out with bids for 4,000 MWh of pacity to be based on manufacturing in central charging station for Semb- storage as ancillary so at four RLDCs (re- India. We do not want to export jobs to corp’s fleet of waste and recycling gional load dispatch centers) we will have China or any other country,” he said EP electric trucks. EP

August 1, 2021 44 World’s Largest Rooftop PV Plant Powering Chinese Industrial Park

company's spokesperson Thai PTT told pv magazine. Powerarm Invests The PV plant was completed in late 2020 by special pur- pose vehicle Jining Huaxi $635m in RE New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, which is jointly owned in Asia by the three above-men- tioned industrial groups. he company will borrow money Tfrom PTT for investments fo- Around RMB 600 million cused on solar and wind projects. (US$92.7 million) was in- he 120 MW PV facility was grid- vested in the project. The company reported, “We aim to connected in late 2020 is located obtain 30% of the electricity gener- T ’ “Located in the industrial park cover- at an industrial park in China s Shan- ing 43 rooftops, the PV plant is ex- ated from renewable energy, in- dong province. pected to generate 110 GWh per year, cluding hydropower, from the current 12%.” Sungrow supplied its string inverters powering the industrial park facilities for the project. and feeding the excess electricity it produces into the grid as one of the Global Power Synergy said it has Chinese PV inverter manufacturer grid-parity projects,” Sungrow said in set up a subsidiary to handle its Sungrow said it has supplied its string a statement. overseas renewable energy busi- inverters for a 120 MW rooftop PV ness. plant located in Jining, in China's The solar plant is currently the world's Shandong province. largest operational rooftop PV array. The planned overseas investment JD.com, one of China's biggest online will follow the company’s decision “The plant was built in an industrial retailers recently announced it will in- in November 2020. Buy a solar park owned by Shandong Huaqin stall a 200 MW rooftop array across project in Taiwan. Group, Zhejiang Fortune Energy Co., dozens of its logistics buildings and Ltd and Shangdong Huaqin Group,” a warehouses. EP Global Power Synergy has a capac- ity of 5.05 million kW, mainly in Thailand, with more than 80% Sembcorp, PUB Open Tengeh sourced from fossil fuel sources.

Floating Solar Farm PTT Aiming for by 2030, we will increase our renewable energy ca- ’ embcorp Floating Solar Singa- farm s operations marks a significant pacity to 8 gigawatts (GW), most of Spore, a wholly-owned subsidiary step towards enduring energy sus- which will be provided by Global of Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), tainability in water treatment, mak- Power Synergy. and National Water Agency PUB, ing Singapore one of the few have officially opened the Semb- countries in the world to have a Infrastructure expert John Yep Pin- corp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm at 100% green waterworks system sent Masons, the law firm behind the Tengeh Reservoir recently. while contributing to the national Out-Law, said: ESG concerns and goal of quadrupling solar energy de- other climate-related objectives. With 122,000 solar panels spanning ployment by 2025. across 45 hectares (equivalent to Wind projects are mottled through- about 45 football fields), the 60 The electricity generated from the solar farm will be sufficient to out the region, but given the range megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photo- power Singapore’s five local water of wind resources available, the voltaic (PV) farm is one of the treatment plants, offsetting about sun is generally more successful in world’s largest inland floating solar 7% of PUB’s annual energy needs almost every country in Asia and is PV systems. and reducing PUB’s carbon foot- expected to consider the quality of The commencement of the solar print. EP solar radiation.“ EP

August 1, 2021 45 Climate Financial Support to Climate Climate-Focused Investors Vulnerable Countries Urgent: Give Warm Welcome to Shahab Uddin EU Plan European Union cli- search and Stewardship at Amate masterplan to Allianz Global Investors. raise the cost of pollution and eliminate emissions is a Central to the policy pro- step towards a single car- posals are plans to reform bon price that many in- the 27-member bloc's Emis- vestors striving to make sions Trading System, which companies more sustain- forces polluters to pay for able say can help to engi- their emissions. neer deeper change. It has long been contentious as representatives of Euro- In its biggest climate pack- pean industry say they are age yet, the European placed at a competitive dis- Commission, the EU's ex- advantage when manufac- ecutive body, recently an- turers in other countries do nounced 13 policy not face such costs. proposals spanning en- ergy, shipping, transport Asset owners managing nvironment, Forests the process of formula- and manufacturing. more than $6 trillion earlier and Climate Change tion of the NAP with a this month urged policy- E "The EU is to be applauded Minister Md. Shahab view to reducing vulner- makers to agree a global for its level of ambition in Uddin recently said ability to the impacts of price of carbon. these targets and for aspir- long-term and adequate climate change by en- financial support is ur- hancing adaptive capac- gent for achieving the ity and resilience. global goal on adapta- tion (GGA). "However, we are aware of the lack of resources He said both technical for NAP implementation. and financial support We must consider the should be provided to adequacy and effective- the most climate vulner- ness of support for adap- able developing coun- tation," he said. tries for effective implementation of prior- COP-26 president Alok itized adaptation ac- Sharma presided over tions. the session.

The minister said this Environment, Forests and while addressing the ple- Climate Change Secre- nary session of "The July tary Md Mostafa Kamal ing to be a pioneer on cli- Ministerial" of the and Director General of Currently carbon trades at mate change - it certainly around $62 per tonne in COP26 Presidency in the Department of Envi- sets a strong template for Europe, around $20 per London, a ministry press ronment Md Ashraf other industrialized nations tonne in North America, release said. Uddin were, among oth- to follow," said Mark Wade, and around $7 per tonne in ers, present on the occa- Head of Sustainability Re- China He said Bangladesh is in sion. EP EP

August 1, 2021 46 Climate EU Unveils Plan to Increase Electric Car Lithium Demand Renewables Share in Energy Powers Mining Revival in UK Mix to 40% by 2030 s the global auto sector "In 2016, I started to think Aaccelerates production about the electric vehicle of electric cars, one British revolution and what that company is hoping to cash in would mean for metal de- from mining lithium needed mand and I started to think to make rechargeable batter- about lithium," he said in an ies that power the vehicles. interview. It is five years since former in- "A friend of mine mentioned vestment banker Jeremy lithium being identified in Wrathall launched Cornish Cornwall and I just won- Lithium, a company operat- dered if that was a sort of an ing in Cornwall, southwest unrecognized thing in the England, which recently UK." hosted the G7 summit. In fact, lithium was discov- And while it may be another ered in Cornwall in 1864, four years until it begins com- while the area is known for he European Union must 55% by 2030, from 1990 lev- mercial production of the its historic copper and tin Tincrease the amount of els, and eliminate them by renewable energy it uses and 2050. cut energy consumption by To help meet the 2050 goal, 2030 under proposals the the Commission has set a bloc's executive Commission more ambitious interim target published on recently to help for the EU to raise the share meet a more ambitious goal of renewable energy to 40% for reducing greenhouse gas of final consumption by emissions. 2030, up from roughly 20% As part of a package of cli- in 2019. mate policies, the Commis- That replaces a previous tar- sion proposed an overhaul of get for a 32% renewables tar- EU renewable energy rules, get by 2030, which which decide how quickly Commission estimates sug- metal, Wrathall is optimistic mining, which dates back the bloc must increase the gest the bloc was on track to that his punt will pay divi- 4,000 years and ended at the use of sources such as wind, meet. dends. turn of the century. EP solar and biomass energy The Commission proposed produced from burning in the lead up to a crucial carbon neutrality by 2050. also tightening rules that de- wood pellets or chips. UN summit in November. termine whether wood-burn- However, deep questions re- The aim is to implement ing energy can be classed as China has hailed it as laying main over the limited scale legally-binding targets to re- renewable and count to- the foundations for what and effectiveness of China’s duce net EU emissions by wards green goals. EP would become the world’s emission trading scheme, in- biggest carbon trading mar- cluding the low price placed China Steps Up Climate Fight ket, forcing thousands of Chi- on pollution. nese companies to cut their pollution or face deep eco- More broadly, analysts hina launched its long- bon neutral by 2060. and experts say that much awaited emissions trad- nomic hits. C The scheme was launched more needs to be done if ing system recently, a key with China, the world’s The program was launched China is to meet its envi- tool in its quest to drive down biggest carbon emitter, seek- just days after the Euro- ronmental targets, which climate change-causing ing to take a global leader- pean Union unveiled its includes reaching peak greenhouse gases and go car- ship role on the climate crisis detailed plan to achieve emissions by 2030. EP

August 1, 2021 47 Column

reat leaders gain greatness its economic and foreign policies, Bangabandhu and his visionary poli- by their vision, courage law enforcement organizations and cies. For these forces who usurped Gand love for the people. the army had been the priority. In re- power had been illegal from the be- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur gard to economic development, one ginning and lacked public trust in Rahman, the greatest Bengali of of his priorities was energy. running the administration. all time, was the architect of inde- However, they survived only for 21 pendent Bangladesh. He dreamt A historic decision was made on 9 years. It was Sheikh Hasina, the of an independent and sovereign August 1975 when Bangabandhu daughter of Bangabandhu, who Bangladesh, worked relentlessly decided to purchase five gas fields guided her father’s Awami League to make his dream a reality and fi- from Shell Oil Company quite party to power in the democrati- nally mobilizing the Bengalis for cheaply. The government paid only cally held general election in 1996. taking up arms against brutal Pak- 4.5 million pound sterling to buy For Hasina it was a gigantic task of istani army and gain victory in a the fields at Bakhrabad, Titas, rebuilding the country’s economy, bloody nine-month liberation war. Rashidpur, Kailashtila and Habi- left in ruins by the largely military That glorious chapter of our his- ganj. At 1975 exchange rate, it cost rule preceding her taking the helm tory was written in 1971. only Tk 18 crore. of the government. In an interesting co-incidence, the daughter’s focus On his return home from the gallows It is needless to say what far reach- ing impact that single decision had was on the development of energy of Pakistani jail on 10 January 1972, ’ had on the development of the sector as was the father s. Bangabandhu found a country rav- country’s energy sector and taking it ’ aged by war. His only asset and hope The energy sector in today s to the path of energy security. was the indomitable people of Bangladesh presents us an indis- putable example. That the country Bangladesh. Above all it was his vi- Bangladesh lost its way after Banga- has now an overcapacity in electric- sion and courage that saw the war- bandhu was assassinated on 15 Au- ity generation, that the country has shattered country to stand on its own gust 1975. The powers that illegally took over the charge of the young explored and developed gas fields feet and start a new journey towards both onshore and offshore with in- progress and prosperity. The rebuild- country channelled all their energy to erasing the country’s history, vestment from international energy ing of the country, its administration, giants and that we are making slow but steady progress in renewable energy are glaring testimonies of what Hasina has done in fulfilling the unmet dream of Bangabandhu.

Our great leader is no longer with us. But his vision — a country self-suf- ficient in food with enough health, education and housing facilities for its people — remains as guiding light for us. It is more so in the energy de- velopment. What began with the purchase of gas fields from the Shell Oil in this month of August 46 years ago has now flourished into a gigan- tic engine of growth. Five (5) Gas Fields Ownership Agreement Signing Ceremony held on August 1975 EP

August 1, 2021 48 Interview Energy Sector Advancing in Line With Bangabandhu’s Vision

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has guaranteeing constitutional rights already fulfilled one of the dreams to all citizens of power supply. The of the Father of the Nation Banga- installed capacity at that time was Abul Kalam Azad bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — 500MW, but actual generation was ensuring access to power for all. At 200MW. His efforts could soon in- the same time, all out endeavors crease the actual generation to are directed for achieving his other 500MW. There is no doubt that coal mining unrealized visions, which are ex- Power and energy sectors of needs to be technically sound, ploration and exploitation of own Bangladesh still stand on the foun- economically feasible; then a political primary fuel resources. However, dation Bangabandhu laid in only decision. Our Prime Minister is a we need to mitigate the increasing his three and half years of term. He people’s leader. Mining coal is in her reliance on imported fuel for created Bangladesh Atomic Energy vision. But environment and achieving sustainable supply of Commission (BAEC), BIDS for re- rehabilitation also rank high in the power at affordable price. search, BPDB and BWBD, BOGMC government agenda. Again, net zero global vision also is an impediment for Abul Kalam Azad, Special Envoy to and BMDC. For establishing the mining coal. We cannot go against the the Presidency of Climate Vulnera- rights of Bangladeshis over natural global popular opinion so easily. ble Forum, made the observation in resources, he encouraged develop- an exclusive interview with Energy ment of model Production Sharing & Power Editor Mollah Amzad Contract (PSC) through amending Hossain. the Petroleum Act. The offshore ex- What are your views about ploration campaign for oil com- Bangabandhu’s Energy Vision? menced. Before launching the exploration campaign, Territorial Bangabandhu was a leader of mass Water and Maritime Act was formu- people. He could accurately lated in 1974. fathom the needs of the masses. If you look back realistically, During the campaign for general Five major discovered gas fields Bangabandhu had successfully election in 1970, he strongly advo- were acquired from Shell BV 9 Au- launched all those were essential cated for rural electrification gust 1975 at a nominal price of £4.5 for making a vibrant, dynamic alongside flood control and river million almost 50 crore taka that power and energy sector. training. At that time, there was a time. An agreement was signed with huge disparity in power generation Soviet Union for increasing power Bangabandhu was very vocal and availability between East and generation. Works for two units of about exploration and develop- West Pakistan. Bangabandhu re- 55 MW each thermal power plant at ment of energy and mineral re- turned to Independent Bangladesh Ashuganj started. Agreement with sources of the then East Pakistan on January 10, 1972. He had to Soviet Union for 2X210 MW power right from the time he was part start everything from the scratch. plant at Ghorashal was also signed. of Jukto Front Cabinet. Do you His first task was to formulate the Another 3 unit of 20mw power plant think his works in independent constitution. Article 16 of the construction work started during Bangladesh were a follow up of unique historic constitution was that time his vision?

August 1, 2021 49 The East Pakistan Small Industries ploration of Petroleum. That would who are not, I would like to know Corporation (EPSIC), now BSCIC, relieve us of excessive reliance on about the outcome. The PGCB has was launched when Bangabandhu imported fuel. been created from BPDB; distribution was in charge of Ministry of Indus- utilities like DESCO, DPDC, The energy security may be se- tries. He realized that there is no WZPDCO, NESCO have also been cre- verely stressed from supply disrup- alternative to uninterrupted power ated out of it. NWPGCL, EGCB, tion arising from global geo politics supply for ensuring development. CPGCBL and APCL have been created and affordability due to price He played the pioneering role for for power generation. System loss has shock if Bangladesh becomes ex- acquisition of land at Rooppur, been reduced from 40% to single digit. clusively reliant on imported fuel. Pabna for the Nuclear Power Plant. Subsidy has been reduced. Installed That is why priority attention must He had in his mind all what he generation capacity of 5,000MW in be given on exploration of own pri- would do if opportunity ever 2009 has been increased to mary fuel. Though we are talking comes in an independent country. 24,000MW in 2021. Efficiency of about net-zero carbon emission, It was possible for him to initiate BPDB is also being enhanced like all the global energy sector would still everything in such a short time as other companies. The board of direc- rely 70% on fossil fuel until 2050. he did what he believed in the tors has been formed taking into con- depth of his heart. siderations various aspects. Momentum Power and energy sectors has been created, presence of secretary For establishing absolute con- of Bangladesh still stand and senior officials of the ministries in trol of Bangladeshis over its en- on the foundation the board has expedited many actions. ergy and power resources, Bangabandhu stressed on cre- Bangabandhu laid in only Efficiency of energy companies has ation of required institution and his three and half years of also increased; huge capacity development of own competent term. He created building activities both in Power human resources for champi- Bangladesh Atomic and Energy sector is continuing. oning the growth and operation Energy Commission But people’s expectations are even of energy and power sector. The (BAEC), BIDS for more. Higher pay scale for power sector is still heavily relying on research, BPDB and BWBD, sector officials could be success- that foundation. Do you think BOGMC and BMDC. For fully introduced. his party is successfully follow- establishing the rights of The present successes could be ing his vision? Bangladeshis over natural achieved for expedited decisions of I believe his party is sticking along resources, he encouraged the respective boards. Professionals his vision. Championing the cre- development of model have not been ignored rather due ation of Petrobangla, the then Production Sharing participation of experts on Power-En- Bangabandhu government had Contract (PSC) through ergy, administration, finance, legal, private sector etc. are ensured. started exploration of Petroleum in amending the Petroleum the Bay of Bengal under Produc- Act. The offshore Bangladesh is lagging way behind tion Sharing Contract. The present exploration campaign for other regional countries in oil and government has strengthened gas exploration. It is being told that BAPEX. Translating the vision of oil commenced. Before success would be achieved if it is Bangabandhu into reality, the ac- launching the exploration possible to take actions through cess to power grid has been en- campaign, Territorial Water special arrangements and under sured for 100% population. and Maritime Act was special allocations, stepping aside Bangabandhu initiated actions for formulated in 1974. the government procurement exploring coal and mineral re- process. That would reduce re- sources. But for protecting the in- quirements for importing LNG. terest of the people, open pit The board of directors of all power What are your views? mining could not be given green and energy companies are under signal yet. A large number of peo- absolute control of ministry offi- Please note that whenever the ple would require to be relocated cials. Relevant professionals are not Awami League government got op- for that. Extensive studies are also there. There are allegations that portunity, it stressed upon explo- required for mine water manage- these companies cannot be run ration of own primary fuel. But ment, aquifer management for with due autonomy. What are your those were not enough to match open coal mining. But we need to views? with the demand growth. The spe- be more pro-active for offshore ex- Without looking for who are there and cial act has not been made for the

August 1, 2021 50 power sector alone. It was equally There is no option now but to in- is an impediment for mining coal. applicable for energy sector as crease manifold the renewable en- Our negligible carbon footprint well. Energy sector could utilize it ergy use. We achieved does not cause any obligation for like power sector. Capacity build- commendable success in Solar not mining coal. But for carbon ing of BAPEX are being continued. Home System (SHS). Efforts are on- emission control, we cannot go We know identification of primary going for expanding the grid con- against the global popular opinion fuel reserve and its exploration is nected solar. Wind map surveys so easily. We need to access our time consuming and specially off have been conducted. More sur- coal resource, but going against shore drilling is very much expen- veys need to be made. Under local and global sentiment, it sive. We have to see how much it Mujib Climate Prospective Plan, would not be easy taking decision can be expedited. onshore, offshore and wind power for mining own coal. development have been included. The SDG 7 talks about sustain- What Bangladesh needs to do able power and energy supply to Rooppur nuclear power plant is doing for achieving net zero all at affordable price. It is now a reality. It will start oper- global vision? Is Bangladesh rid- rather a reflection of Banga- ation from 2023. How you will ing along the right track? bandhu’s Energy Vision. His evaluate the role of Banga- Please note that our carbon footprint is bandhu’s daughter for imple- plan was ensuring this through negligible in the context of global emis- exploration and exploitation of menting this milestone project? sion. Hence we have no obligation to- own primary fuel and mineral Some people would always criticize wards reducing global warming. But resources. But the present gov- any action. Bangladesh took initiative the question is that the industrial oper- ernment has moved out of min- for nuclear power plant at the most ap- ations and automobiles movement ing own coal while the propriate time taking the nuclear secu- would not reduce carbon emissions. exploration of petroleum re- rity with most high importance. At the Rice cultivation would increase carbon sources lost dynamism. How same time, right actions have been emission. But we have to have a way then supplying power at afford- taken for developing competent own of neutralizing this through increasing able cost would be possible? human resources to operate the plant. oxygen generation. Bangladesh wants The prices of power and energy in The human capital development plan doing this through increasing afforesta- Bangladesh are still the cheapest as was initiated from 2015. By the time tion. We are actively considering how compared to other Asian countries. the plant is ready, our own human re- the carbon emissions from power Much before the SDG 7, Banga- source hopefully would be in a posi- plants can be neutralized through cre- bandhu had started working on tion to gradually take over the ating green belt around each power supplying power at affordable cost. responsibility of operating the plant. plant. Carbon capture from the power The present government is also fol- Side by side the assistance of NRB ex- plants, Hydrogen Fuel and renewable lowing his footprint. Of course, the perts is also being taken. energy will increase oxygen contribu- growing reliance on imported coal, tion at the same time decrease carbon Bangladesh is blessed with sub- liquid fuel and LNG would put emission. Under Mujib Climate Pros- stantial reserve of superior qual- price pressure. Work is going on to perity plan 2030 we will work for net ity bituminous coal. But for lack ensure how the import reliance can zero. of political decision, this re- be kept under control. Use of nu- source remains unexploited. What preparation Bangladesh is clear power and power import The anti-coal movement in taking for COP26? would be relatively less expensive. Bangladesh also gathered mo- Off-shore wind power, floating Our Prime Minister has repeatedly mentum. But coal still remains solar, wave energy, run-off river pledged for limiting global warm- the cheapest fuel for power gen- etc. can reduce necessity of pri- ing to 1.5 degrees C. She an- eration. What are your views? mary fuel. Exploration for own pe- nounced this in October 2020 as troleum especially offshore There is no doubt that coal mining well as at the Leaders’ Summit. exploration must be given the high- needs to be technically sound, eco- Bangladesh has reiterated it NDC. est priority. There is no denial that nomically feasible; then a political The main focus of COP26 would we are lagging way behind here. decision. Our Prime Minister is a be confirming proceedings of people’s leader. Mining coal is in Green Climate Fund (GCF) up to What actions do you think needs her vision. But environment and re- US$ 100 billion annually. I expect to be taken for completely mate- habilitation also rank high in the that the GCF and Mitigation-Adap- rializing Bangabandhu Energy government agenda. tation 50:50 would also be Vision towards achieving sustain- achieved from COP26. able energy security? Again, net zero global vision also EP

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