Mujib Barsho, with a Vow to Photography Bulbul Ahmed Working on Ensuring Sustainable Energy Supply During the Year

Editor Fortnightly Magazine, Vol 17, Issue 18, March 1-15 Mollah M Amzad Hossain 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 The government has achieved a significant success in power generation during Magazine Administrator the last 11 years. However, it came through expensive options. The average bulk AKM Shamsul Hoque power supply cost increased to Tk 5.67 per unit now from Tk 2.50 per unit in Reporters Arunima Hossain 2008. It resulted in frequent hikes in power tariff. In a latest move, it has increased Jannatul Ferdushy Sova the average retail power tariff to Tk 7.13 per unit with effect from March 1, 2020 Assistant Online Editor from Tk 3.81 in 2009. The gas price has also been increased for several times. But Aditya Hossain the consumers as a whole are bearing the brunt of the price hike. Design & Graphics Md. Monirul Islam The energy and power sector is going to observe the Mujib Barsho, with a vow to Photography Bulbul Ahmed working on ensuring sustainable energy supply during the year. However, if the Production price hike trend of last 11 years continues, the energy would not remain Mufazzal Hossain Joy affordable for the consumers. Ensuring energy at affordable price would remain Computer Graphics elusive unless the country could explore the own energy resources. The Mujib Md. Uzzal Hossain Barsho is expected to be a year of taking the right path to increase the supply of Circulation Assistant own primary energy that would contribute to the sustainable development of the Khokan Chandra Das Editorial, News & Commercial country. Room 509, Eastern Trade Center Masuk Helal draws the two sketches of Bangabandhu used in the cover & cover 56 Inner Circular Road (VIP Road) Naya Paltan. GPO Box : 677 inner 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

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For arresting the alarmingly ris- A panic that has been spreading Since announcing the election manifesto ing trend of power and energy over the world has sent a chill by Awami League ahead of the general prices, the country must initiate throughout the global economy. election in 2008, the people of Bangladesh actions for ensuring assured The virus now has created a lot started expecting that the nagging energy supply of own fuel through of noise beyond China, and crisis might go and they would get the en- commencing mining of own could be much more damaging ergy at an affordable price. The political coal and expediting petroleum for the economy that might be party assumed office and after a while the exploration in this “Mujib unthinkable at this point. energy supply situation started improving. Barsho”. Any failure to ensure The reality is that China is an in- It formed the government for two next smooth supply of own primary dispensable part of global trade terms with similar commitment. The energy fuel will not only affect the and business for most countries supply situation continued to improve. country’s energy security, it will including Bangladesh churning Though there is room for further improve- also make uncertain the ... out products like iPhone... ment, the electricity supply has by now... 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.

31 Bangladesh Appeals for More Partners to Help RollOut OffGrid Solar

33 IDCOL Extends Financing to Fakhruddin Textile for Rooftop Solar Project

33 Green Groups Call for Steps to Save Sundarbans

34 Solar Power Plant Projects Likely to be Delayed Due to Virus Outbreak

5 WORLD WATCH 24 Significant Progress in Latest Development in Manufacture of Passive Core World Flooding System for RNPP

6,8 SNAPSHOT 25 Raise Power Consumption to Latest Development 1,000 Kwh

9 COVER WORLD Daring Dream 27 Coronavirus: An Avalanche for Year of Taking the Right Path Global Economy & Risks for Bangladesh COVER ARTICLE 15 Looking Afresh in ARTICLE ‘MujibBarsho’ 29 Unabated Blowout Crater Natural Gas Release: A SPECIAL ARTICLE Potential Source Of Gas 17 Curses of Having Plenty CLIMATE REPORT 37 Climate Change a Big 18 Wärtsilä Gas Power Plant to Challenge for All: Minister Facilitate Growth of 38 Scientists Gather to Study Bangladeshi Industrial Risk from Microplastic Complex Pollution 19 BIMSTEC to Promote 39 Air Pollution Costs $2.9 Regional Electricity Grid Trillion A Year 21 Will Light Up Every House by 40 Antarctica Registers Record Mujib Barsho: PM Temperature of Over 20C 22 USNorwegian JV to Launch INTERVIEW Offshore Survey This Year 41 Md. MaqbulEElahi Chowdhury 23 Govt Plans Power Tariff Cut Member, Bangladesh Energy for Industrial Units Regulatory Commission Worldwatch

PTTEP’s World PTTEP Working with Chevron focus this WEC Secretary General Meets Energy on Erawan Field Transition year will Saudi Energy Minister Coun- be on cil Sec- preparing newly acquired projects offshore Thailand, notably retary General and CEO Dr Angela Wilkinson met with Saudi the G1/61 concession containing the Erawan field and G2/61 Arabian Energy Minister HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Bongkot), to be ready to deliver petroleum as stipulated in Al Saud in the Saudi capital Riyadh on 19 February. the profit-sharing contracts. During the meeting, Dr Wilkinson thanked Prince Abdulaziz Work will include planning the drilling campaign, construc- for his continued support of the World Energy Council and his tion of new production platforms and gas pipelines, and other personal efforts over the years as Chairman of the World En- related activities. ergy Council’s Saudi Arabian Member Committee. For the Erawan field transition in 2022, PTTEP is working with Dr Wilkinson, who is on her first official visit to Saudi Arabia, current concessionaire Chevron and Thailand’s Department presented her vision and strategy for the Council in the years of Mineral Fuels to ensure continuity of operations. ahead. Elsewhere PTTEP plans to step up exploration activities in She outlined her agenda on humanizing the energy transition promising offshore areas including the Myanmar MD-7 proj- and invited support for the Council’s broad program of work ect and the Lang Lebah-1RDR2 exploration well in Malaysia’s and addressing the broad social agenda, including energy Sarawak block SK410B, where the company made the biggest poverty. gas discovery in its She called for alignment of efforts across regions to enable history. new opportunities to include clean hydrogen and the circular Also on the agenda carbon economy. are nearby exploration projects in Malaysia where PTTEP will seek opportunities for clus- ter developments.

Indian India Reﬁners Getting Rare Oil refin- Cheap as China Demand Slows ing companies are snapping up rare crude grades as the coronavirus outbreak curtails China's demand for processing, executives and traders said, with prices for some grades falling by as much as 15 per cent. Power sec- Power Sector Attracts Over tor attracted Chinese refiners have slashed output by at least 1.5 million bar- over 1 bil- rels a day in February, or over 10 percent, after the virus out- $1b Foreign Investment in lion U.S. break hit domestic fuel demand, leading to swelling stocks. Myanmar dollars of "Opportunity for Indian markets is more in the context of what investment is happening in China and in recent times we received crudes capital from six permitted foreign enterprises in first four which are appearing to be attractive as compared to their value months of current fiscal year (FY) 2019-2020 which started in earlier," said R. Ramachandran, head of refineries at Bharat Pe- October, according to figures released by Myanmar's Direc- troleum Corp. torate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). Refiners in India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, rarely As of Jan. 31, Myanmar's power sector topped the list with get the opportunity to buy suitable grades from areas like the most investment capital, followed by real estate and manu- Mediterranean and Latin America due to higher freight rates. facturing sectors. However, shipping From FY 1988-1989 to Jan. 31 of FY 2019-2020, 26.4 percent rates have plunged by of foreign investment flowed into the country's power sector nearly half since the with capital of over 22.2 billion U.S. dollars, the DICA's fig- virus outbreak, and ures said. after the U.S. partially lifted sanctions on Meanwhile, Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) allowed part of Chinese ship- 106 enterprises with a total of 2.08 billion U.S. dollars of in- ping firm COSCO. vestment capital as of Jan. 31 of present FY 2019-2020.

March 1, 2020 5 Snapshot

The government Power Sector Received provided Tk Engr Belayet New Tk 52,260cr as Subsidy in 52,260 crore as BPDB Chairman subsidy to 10 Years: Nasrul power sector in Engineer Md. Belayet Hossain the last 10 has been appointed as chair- years, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources man of Bangladesh Power De- Nasrul Hamid told parliament recently. velopment Board (BPDB). The minister said this in reply to a query from Awami League He will assume responsibility MP Didarul Alam from Chattogram-4. as the 36th chief of BPDB replacing chairman Sayeed Nasrul said the average cost of generating per unit of electric- Ahmed, according to a notifi- ity for both public and private sectors is Tk 13-14 (furnace oil cation of Power Division. based), Tk 25-30 (diesel based) and Tk 2.5-3.0 (gas based). Engineer Md. Belayet Hossain Engineer Belayet has been However, he said, the cost of per unit supply of electricity at working as a member of the governing board responsible for the bulk level of Power Development Board is Tk 5.82 and its supervising production of the state-run organization. average sales price at the bulk level is Tk 4.80. Responding to a question from AL MP Shahiduzzaman Sarker The from Naogaon-2, the state minister said gas is currently being Govt Likely to Launch Oﬀshore gov- imported as LNG. Bidding in March ernment is At present, the LNG, equivalent to about 590 million cubic likely to invite a new round of international bidding for oil feet is imported daily. In response to a query from Jatiya Party and gas exploration in the country’s offshore blocks on March MP Fakhrul Imam, Nasrul Hamid said the amount of illegal 17, the first day of the Mujib Barsho. gas connections in Dhaka city, Dhaka district, Munshiganj, Narayanganj and High officials from the energy and mineral resources division Gazipur is around will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina next week to materi- 2.45 lakh. alize the idea, officials said. In these districts, “We have a plan to invite the invite a new round of interna- 121 spots with the tional bidding at the beginning of Mujib Barsho,” said a senior origin of illegal official at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. distribution lines The EMRD has already finalized the model production sharing have been de- contract on offshore bidding round, another official said. tected. Bangladesh currently has a total of 31 open blocks for offer in bKash signed an agreement the next bidding round. Of them, nine blocks are located in on- bKash Signs Deal with Omera Home Appli- shore areas, 14 in the deep sea, and eight in shallow sea areas. ances, a concern of East with Omera Petrobangla invited Coast Group, recently to fa- the latest bidding cilitate payment collection through bKash from their dealer round eight years points across the country, said a statement. back in 2012 Masudur Rahim, Executive Director of East Coast Group and through which Masrur Chowdhury, Head of Govt. Projects and Business three shallow-water Sales of bKash, exchanged the agreement on behalf of their blocks and one respective organisations. deep-water block were awarded to contractors. But not a single ex- ploratory well was drilled by the contractors by this time. Petrobangla rather extended the tenure of PSCs for each of the contractors by several years each.

March 1, 2020 6

Snapshot

Mudassir Bangladesh- Global Accolade fo Murtaza BIFPCL Arranges Painting India Friend- Rahimafrooz Group Director Moin, Contest Marking Mujib ship Power group di- Barsho Company (Pvt) rector of Limited (BIF- Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Ltd, has recently been awarded PCL) organized with AsiaOne Young Asian Entrepreneur 2019-20 by AsiaOne a painting competition at Sundarban Mahila College in Ram- Magazine and URS Media. pal upazila of Bagerhat district recently in observance of the The award giving ceremony was held at the 13th edition of Mujib Barsho, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Asian Business & Social Investor Forum 2019—20 in Bangkok, Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Thailand, according to a statement. Dr Sultan Shamed, Secretary, Power Division attended the Rahimafrooz is one of the largest business groups in program as chief guest and distributed prizes among the win- Bangladesh, consists of eight strategic business units and sev- ners, said a press release. Around 200 students from 15 eral other affiliations. schools of Rampal and Mongla participated in the competition and drawn various photos of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu- Refueling jibur Rahman. Refueling Stations in stations in Managing Director of BIFPCL Naresh Anand presided over Nine Northern Districts Not nine dis- the program while Joint secretary of power sector Nurul Alom, tricts of the Deputy Secretary Md Nazmul Abedin, Project Director SC Getting Required Diesel ’ country s Pandey, member bub Md Zakir Hossain, chief engineer Ma- northern re- habubur Rahama, Deputy Prohect director Md Rezaul Karim, gion are not getting required quantity of diesel as current supply Rampal attended the function as special guests. Among oth- is no match for additional high demand for irrigation. ers, Rampal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tushar Kumar Paul, Sid- Three depots belonging to state-run Padma, Meghna and Ja- harth Mondal, DGM (HR), Tariqul Islam, DM (HR), BIFPCL, muna oil companies under Bangladesh Petroliam Corporation Mallick Sudhangsu, President of Khulna TV Reporters Unity (BPC) are facing short supply, according to BPC officials. and eminent local personalities were present. Of the oil depots, the largest one is located in Parbatipurupazila of Dinajpur while other two in Rangpur and Chilmariupazila of Kurigram. There has been no diesel at the Chilmari depot since January 8. At least 622 dealers of Dinajpur, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Pancha- garh, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Joy- purhat collect diesel from these depots. At the Parbatipur depot, the daily demand for the oil increased to 21,00,000 liters from 15,00,000 liters in one week as it is peak time for irrigation in which diesel is used to a large extent, said the officials.

Six members The 51st Annual Gen- Six of a Family Injured in of a family suf- ELBL Approves 100pc eral Meeting (AGM) Sirajganj Gas Leakage Fire fered burn Cash Dividend of Eastern Lubricants after a fire Blenders Limited broke out fol- (ELBL) was held in Chattogram city recently, says a statement. lowing a leakage in gas cylinder pipe at Dukhiabari village in Sirajganj Sadar Upazila recently. Chairman of BPC and ELBL board Md. Shamsur Rahman, also a Secretary, presided over the meeting. Directors Md. Sarwar The injured are - Sanawar Munshi, 60, son of Saheb Ali, Alam, Syed Mehdi Hasan, Mohammed Shahidul Alam, Quazi Sanawar's wife Nilufer Khatun Lily, 55, their son Saidul Islam, Mohammad Hasan, independent director Advocate Munshi 38, his wife Nazira Khatun, 35, their daughter Sumaia Khatun, Golam Mostofa, Md. Quamrul Hasan and Company Secretary 2, and Mehedi Hasan, 10. Ali Absar, other high officials and shareholders were present. Manzil Haque, deputy assistant director of Sirajganj Fire Service, said the fire broke out after an explosion as there was a leakage The company's Audited Financial Statements of 2018-19 was in the gas pipe. approved at the AGM. The meet- A firefighting team rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire. ing also approved 100 per cent cash dividend as recommended The injured were admitted to Sirajganj 250-bed Bongamata by the board of directors. Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib General Hospital for treatment.

March 1, 2020 8 Cover

ince announcing the election manifesto by Awami League ahead of Sthe general election in 2008, the people of Bangladesh started expecting that the nagging energy crisis might go and they would get the energy at an affordable price. The political party assumed office and after a while the energy supply situation started improving. It formed the government for two next terms with similar commitment. The energy supply situation continued to improve. Though there is room for further improvement, the electricity supply has by now improved a lot — at least there is almost no loadshedding at present. What the people now experience is nothing but some disruptions in transmission and distribution systems. People seemed more or less satisfied with the present energy supply situation, but they might not expect that the prices of energy would increase to the present level. The Awami League had committed to solve the then crisis and make available the energy. Their government did it, though partially and based on expensive options. What is more concerning is that

March 1, 2020 9 they did it for the consumers but at failed to bring in the low cost generation mainly to the energy price hike and its much higher cost. The government, plants within the planned period. The spill over effect on all other sectors. Peo- however, recognized that the cost of cost of power generation continued to ple seemed got frustrated and started power would increase for the time rise while the people are compelled to talking about the failure of the Awami being due to the contingency measures shoulder the burden. While the bills for League government — the successor of but, at the same time, had committed domestic users went up substantially, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that the cost would come down gradu- the people have to pay increased prices who had a brave dream of ensuring en- ally as soon as the baseload power for everything from kitchen items to ergy supply at cheaper price as a means plants come into generation. It has transportation. All these happened due of developing the country as a ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal). The government failed to bring the baseload power plants timely and showed hardly any success in hydrocarbon exploration — be it in onshore or in offshore areas. As a result, expected development of the energy sector did not take place and affordable energy tariff could not be ensured. The energy prices going up fre- quently, as a result, creating burden for the people and causing industries to gradually become less competitive. The latest hike in elecgtricity price takes place on March 1, 2020. The year-long birth centenary programme of the Father of the Nation is going to start on March 17, 2020. The energy and power divisions also chalked out elaborate year- long program as part of the national program to observe the ‘Mujib Barsho’ — the two divisions of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources have decided to work for one additional hour on every working day of the year to ensure quality power for all by March 17, 2021 and ensure proper services to the consumers. At the same time, the Energy Division would con- clude multi-client survey by then and start oil and gas exploration through offshore bidding. The five oil distribution depots would go for complete automation during the period while the gas sector would be completely made free of illegal connections. The Energy Division would also take a

March 1, 2020 11 program through its organizations to ergy and power to all. As part of it, the brutal killing of Bangabandhu on August mitigate misuse of energy. rights to energy and power for all have 15, 1975. Since then, the sector made been ensured constitutionally. some progress especially in oil, gas and Over the period of last one decade, the coal exploration activities until 1990. rural areas of the country have been Since the beginning of independent But the overall scenario of the sector brought under the electricity coverage. Bangladesh, Bangabandhu gave top pri- started changing fast since the begin- The Power Division has a plan to ex- ority to sustainable development of the ning of 1990s due to excessive control pand the coverage to 100 percent by the energy sector, aiming to ensure quality and conditions imposed by the donors. Mujib Year. But there is a lack of skilled supply of energy at an affordable price Financing the exploration and power electricians for providing necessary through exploration of own natural re- generation activities by the donors al- services to the consumers. The Power sources like gas and coal and ensuring most came to a halt. However, there Division has already trained 7,000 elec- their optimum utilization. To do that, he was no crisis of primary energy in the tricians and taken a program to train gave utmost importance on developing country at that time. The entire energy around 3,000 electricians free of cost to local institutions and human resources and power sector was gas dependent. come out of the problem. The division while taking initiatives to bring foreign has also decided to reward the employ- investment and get cooperation of the In the 1990s, the international oil com- ees with Bangabandhu Award to recog- friendly countries. But the initiatives panies (IOCs) started coming in the nize their good services while introduce faced a severe setback following the country under Production Sharing Con- a one-stop service to receive com- tracts (PSCs) and discovered new plaints and settle those, aiming to gas fields, including the biggest one ensure better services for the con- at Bibiyana. Private sector invest- sumers. ment in power generation also In all, the Ministry of Power, Energy started coming during this period. and Mineral Resources has planned The trend continued until 2008, but to ensure sustainable development no mentionable success came in of the country’s power and energy new gas discovery. There was no sector and help build Sonar Bangla initiative to explore oil and gas in as dreamt by Bangabandhu. To en- the offshore and mine own discov- sure development of the country, ered coal, creating a crisis of pri- the energy should be supplied at an mary energy supply in the country. affordable price as well as the serv- At the same time, the gas supply cri- ices to the consumers should be en- sis turned serious. The electricity sured. Besides other priorities of the crisis also became unbearable as war-ravaged Bangladesh, Banga- the country could not generate bandhu had taken initiative to build power commensurate with the de- Sonar Bangla through providing en- mand, offering opportunities for the

March 1, 2020 12 local private sector to gen- the power tariff by eight erate power. times during this period to During the period from reduce the losses. The latest 2009 to 2020, the govern- hike was announced on ment started using fuel oil February 27, 2020. The av- to generate power as a erage retail power tariff has contingency measure and been increased by 187 per- now the contribution of oil cent to Tk 7.13 per unit on (diesel and furnace) to March 1, 2020 from Tk power generation reached 3.81 per unit in 2009 while to more than 40 percent. the bulk tariff rose to Tk During this period, gas 5.17 per unit from Tk 1.90. producation increased by The government had to pay 1,000 MMCFD to around a subsidy of Tk 49,681 2700 MMCFD — not crore only in the power enough to meet the de- sector during the period mand. As a result, the gov- from 2006-07 to 2017-18. ernment has started Against this backdrop, the importing LNG since 2018 energy and power sector is at higher cost. Conse- going to observe the Mujib quently, the government Barsho, with a vow to had to increase the gas and working on ensuring sus- power tariff repeatedly. tainable energy supply dur- According to BERC, the ing the year. There is no power crisis in the country gas price has been in- ditional pressure of the price would be at present while gas can be supplied at creased by 230.59 percent from an av- delayed if new gas can be discovered. erage of Tk 4.25 per cm in 2009 to Tk per the demand, though not 100 per- 9.80 per cm now. Despite that, the gov- The average bulk power supply cost cent. was Tk 2.50 per unit in 2008 when 92 ernment has to pay a big amount of sub- Bangabandhu had a dream to ensure percent of the generation was gas de- sidy. While increasing gas price in July power supply for all the citizen of the pendent. Now the gas dependence last year, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory country and this government also com- came down to 58 percent and oil de- Commission (BERC) observed that the mitted to ensure power supply for all in pendence went up to 25 percent. As a supply of own natural gas would start this Mujib Barsho. The industrial sector result, the bulk supply cost of power in- declining in the coming years while the would also get energy, particularly gas, creased to 5.67 per unit, including the import of LNG would increase, forcing as per their demand. But the question is capacity charge being paid for the idle the authorities to adjust the gas price at what price they would get the energy. plants. The government had to increase after certain intervals. However, the ad- If the price hike trend of last 11 years continues, the energy would no more Correction be affordable for the general or industrial consumers. The Energy & Power in its cover story titled “A Bump In The Road” and cover Energy experts thought that the price of interview of Total Bangladesh Managing Director Monzur Morshed Siddiqui energy and power must be kept afford- published in the Vol 17 issue 17 on February 16, 2020 has done some mistakes able so that the Bangabandhu’s dream in providing information. Quoting the EMRD and BERC, the cover story tells that of making the country a Sonal Bangla “the total storage capacity of the operators is about 10 million tonnes. The op- comes true. But ensuring the price af- erators are already in a position to meet an annual demand of 6 million tonnes.” fordable would remain elusive unless The actual information is that “the total storage capacity of the operators is about the country could explore the own en- 0.1 million tonnes. The operators are already in a position to meet an annual ergy resources like coal and gas. The ex- demand of 6.5-7.2 million tonnes by utilizing this capacity.” The information perts expected that the Mujib Barsho was also mistakenly printed as 10 million tonnes instead of 0.1 million tonnes would not be a mere show up, but a in the cover interview of Total Bangladesh Managing Director Manzur Morshed year of taking the right path to increase Siddiqui. the supply of own primary energy that We regret our inadvertent mistakes. would ensure affordable energy supply and contribute to the sustainable devel- Editor opment of Bangladesh. EP

March 1, 2020 13

Cover Article Looking Afresh in ‘Mujib Barsho’

Saleque Sufi

angladesh is celebrating the year compromised. And finally, transparency 2020 as “Mujib Barsho (Mujib and accountability must be established BYear)”. The countdown has al- at all levels of energy and power sector ready started and the official program planning, development and operation. MW. The presence of huge spinning re- would commence from the 100th date Many of these works needs reviewing serve causes a substantial amount of of birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur and commencing this year. power remaining idle. The government Rahman on 17 March 2020. Various still has to account for substantial ca- Reliable & Affordable Power Supply ministries and government organiza- pacity charge. This adds to the general The government claims that Bangladesh tions have chalked out elaborate year- cost and compels the government to has attained the capacity of over 20,000 long programs for observing the year in seek power tariff hike almost regularly. MW of power generation though it a befitting manner. The Ministry of The end users have to bear the burnt of could not be tested. Despite of this huge Power, Energy and Mineral Resources the failures of the government agencies. capacity, industries mostly rely on about (MOEMR) is one of the key ministries If grid power supply could be made af- 3000 MW of off-grid captive generation accountable for achieving the sustain- fordable, the actual demand could have as grid power still cannot ensure reliable able energy security for ensuring contin- been 15,000 MW or more by now. The supply due to constraints in power ued impressive economic growth of captive generation would not have re- transmission grid and distribution net- Bangladesh. Given the present status quired. The government could have ter- works. Consequently, the highest power and emerging situation, the energy and minated the contracts of most of the generation could not exceed 13,000 power sector has signifi- expensive liquid fuel- cant challenges to success- based contingency power fully confront in 2020. plants. Payment of capac- Analysts would appreciate ity charges was not re- the government for its suc- quired and frequent cessfully confronting the increase of power tariff energy and power crisis could be avoided. The over the past 11 years. The Mujib Barsho must be the installed power generation year for expediting projects capacity has increased in power transmission grid manifold. The government and distribution networks. has almost reached the na- These must be updated tional vision of giving ac- and modernized to evacu- cess to power for all. But ate the generated power significant works still re- seamlessly to the con- mains to be done for ensur- sumers. Users may not hes- ing quality and reliable itate to pay for the power supply at affordable economic price of power cost to all. Lot of works and energy provided that needs to be done in ensur- quality power on uninter- ing the appropriate mix of ruptible basis is supplied. It fuel (domestic and im- is ridiculous that while ported). Exploration and huge installed capacity re- development of oil and gas mains idle, people in the needs to be greatly expe- rural areas still suffer from dited, mining of own coal power load shedding. Peo- needs to start, efficiency at ple have started asking all segments of power and questions why the con- energy value chain must tracts for expensive liquid be ensured, professional fuel-based power plants management of power and cannot be terminated? energy sector must not be Why captive power

March 1, 2020 15 generation is still required? ity will comfort the fuel mix situation huge amount of high quality coal re- Speedy Supply of Power & Energy Act making this affordable. mains underground, BPAEX could not 2010 Must Be Done Away With Appropriate use of own fuel resource grow. Let Mujib Barsho be the year At a very critical situation in 2010, the was the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh when the government places line pro- act was felt necessary giving comfort Mujibur Rahman. That is why the father fessionals on top positions in BPDB, and assurance to government officials in of the nation had created Oil and Gas Petrobangla, BPC and in the company dealing with unsolicited proposals on Corporation (BOGC) and Bangladesh boards. entrepreneurs for setting up power Mineral Development Corporation Comprehensive Human Resource plants bypassing the provisions of the (BMDC). That is why he encouraged ac- Development procurement law. One must agree that quiring 5 discovered gas fields from The power and energy sector is growing the government has made excessive use Shell BV in 1975. That is why he could huge. Modern technology (super critical of the law. Not all the projects approved take Petrobangla to Bay of Bengal for oil and ultra-super critical technology is under this act have been delivered. The exploration in 1974. In the Muijib year being introduced in power generation), initial tenure of this contingency act was taking decision for mining own coal and SCADA and Telemetry are being intro- four years and was subsequently ex- going again big for oil and gas explo- duced for monitoring and supervising tended. But now when government ration must be a priority option. operation, cyber security of critical in- claims to have achieved over 20,000 Bangladesh can not really afford to go frastructure have become essential. MW of power generation capacity, this for exclusive imported fuel dependency Bangladesh needs thousands of quali- act is no more necessary at all. Such act leaving huge untapped own fuel re- fied and trained manpower. In 1970s, empowered the bureaucrats in taking sources underground. It cannot ensure Bangabandhu sent students to Russia, decisions which were at time non-trans- sustainable energy security. Germany and other countries for devel- parent. This act should be rescinded in The government has diversified fuel use. oping qualified and trained manpower. 2020 as soon as possible and all the LPG is now a major fuel for cooking and The gas sector professionals were sent procurements of services and materials automobiles. LNG is being imported to to Indonesia and Algeria for training as must follow the procurement law. If confront the gas crisis. Let the Mujib well. Now lots of persons are going necessary, the procurement law can be year introduce an affordable fuel mix for abroad for so called knowledge gather- updated to make it time-befitting. power and a comprehensive fuel utiliza- ing — only few of these are useful. In Adoption of Rational Fuel Mix & tion plan. 2020, the government must launch a Appropriate Use of Fuel comprehensive training program for en- Making Energy & Power Sector Opera- Government envisioned achieving ergy and power sector officials where tion Truly Professional 40,000 MW of generation capacity by only appropriate technical and manage- Bangladesh energy and power sector 2030 and 60,000 MW by 2041. The rial persons must be sent. By 2030, has become too much dependent on present generation capacity of grid-con- Bangladesh will require several thou- bureaucracy. The MOEMR exclusively nected power in February 2020 is about sands of trained professionals operating dominates the sector. The government 20,000 MW. It is very much possible for and maintaining energy and power sec- agencies like BPC and Petrobangla have achieving this capacity. But will the de- tor infrastructure and facilities. Some become almost non-functional for mand grow to appropriate level by the projects have started working. But these nosey EMRD. The administration cadre target years that the spinning reserves do should be a national level movement, officials consider these organizations as not remain at the present higher level. involving industries, universities and in- the extension of the ministry. The boards What is the realistic demand projection? stitutions from the Mujib year. of the companies under these corpora- The envisioned fuel mix for 2040 is Conclusion tions are exclusively manned by admin- 35% coal (34% imported), 35% (own Well successes of the present govern- istration cadre officials. Bangladesh gas and imported LNG) and 30% nu- ment over the past 11 years are com- technical and general universities now clear power, import and others. Can mendable, but the immediate and future produce graduates many of whom go Bangladesh manage to import required challenges are also huge. Achieving ac- abroad and perform admirably. Why en- coal setting up enabling coal import fa- cess to power for all is an achievement vironment cannot be created for retain- cilities? Can they get required invest- in itself. But how long will it take to get ing most of them in jobs in BPDB, ments in coal power plants? Can quality and reliable supply? How it can Petrobangla , BPC and in other compa- Bangladesh sustain higher price of im- be made affordable to all? Bangladesh nies. ported energy in global market affected must not always remain busy in crisis by regional and global geopolitics? Why Bangabandhu in his time placed his management. Let Mujib year be the Bangladesh should not harness its local senior advisers as CEO of BOGC and launching year of all-round activities of discovered coal? Why it can not expe- BMDC. He let them work independ- the power and energy sector. EP dite exploration of oil and gas in vast ently and made them report directly to unexplored offshore and extensive on- his office. Failures of Petrobangla over Saleque Sufi; shore frontier areas? Own fuel availabil- the past 20 years have created gas crisis, Contributing Editor, EP

March 1, 2020 16 Special Article

panies — Bashundhara, Omera, BM En- Curses of Having Plenty ergy and Jamuna Spacetech — supply about 6.5 lakh tonnes. Other 20 companies are grappling in the market for Khandker Abdus Saleque sharing pies from the remaining 3.5 lakh tonnes. This has led to unhealthy com- here is no shortage of power gen- surplus capacity, the government can- petition in the market. The LPG cylin- eration capacity in Bangladesh not successfully negotiate with indus- ders are sold at highly subsidized price. Tnow. None can also say that there trial consumers for taking power from The LPG cylinders are being sold even is any crisis of LPG for cooking, auto- the grid by abandoning the own captive at one-third price of manufacturing cost. mobiles and other activities. But there generation due to unreliable power Most of these are even sold as scraps. still exists power loadshedding, still transmission and distribution networks LPG liquid is cross filled illegally. There quality power cannot be supplied on and higher cost of grid power. The gov- is hardly any market watch. The chaotic uninterruptible basis at affordable cost ernment also cannot do away with ex- situation is leading to serious situation to all. The government needs adjusting pensive imported liquid fuel based of entire supply chain getting com- the power tariff on a regular basis. On power generation partly for political rea- pletely unsafe. In this situation, how op- the other side, huge over-investment in sons and mainly for gas supply crisis. erators with limited investment dare to LPG sector has caused attaining huge Chaos in LPG Sector entering business? This unsafe situation surplus LPG storage capacity. LPG op- The scenario in LPG sector is more may lead to many entrepreneurs getting erators have entered into unhealthy ridiculous. Huge over investment has sick and out of business. competition in the market. Overall put the sector into a great risk. Accord- Why Such Situation Created? safety of LPG sector is threatened and ing to sources in Energy and Mineral Re- Many would say this chaotic situation users are not at all benefiting for the sources Division (EMRD), the annual has been created for lack of coordina- oversaturated market situation. Many LPG demand in Bangladesh now is 1.0 tion among the different enterprises of LPG operators are facing possibility of million tonnes. According to sources at power and energy sector. There has quitting business for challenges of sur- Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commis- been no consistency in policy and there viving the competition. These are from sion (BERC), US$ 1.7 billion has been exists poor coordination among BPDB, flawed planning, unimaginative market invested in LPG sector till June 2019. Petrobangla and BPC. The statutory forecasting and improper government According to EMRD and BERC, the total body, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory policy. Bangladesh energy and power storage capacity of the operators is now Commission (BERC), also lacks capacity sector may soon have to embrace un- 10 million tonnes. They are in a position for enforcement and compliance of acts, palatable situation if appropriate actions to supply about 6.0 million tonnes an- policies and regulations. For all these, are not taken immediately. nually. According to government pro- consumers cannot completely enjoy the Power Sector jection, the annual demand by 2025 fruits of massive development of efforts The installed generation capacity of may grow to 2.5 million tonnes and by of the energy and power sector. 2030 to 3.5 million tonnes. Even by power (grid and off grid) now is 22,727 At end 2009 and early 2010, a high- 2040 the national demand may not MW. Of which, the capacity of grid powered government delegation led by grow to 10 million tonnes. This over ca- power, including 1,160 MW import the Prime Minister’s energy advisor dur- pacity has already created an unpleas- from India, is 19,570 MW. ing roadshows of Bangladesh power ant situation. The government allowed According to the BPDB website, there and energy sector in Singapore, London few leading companies to export bulk exist 2,800 MW off grid captive power and New York categorically mentioned LPG to neighbouring Indian states. That and 357 MW of off-grid solar power that the short-term contingency actions decision created a lot of controversies generation capacity. The highest gener- (liquid fuel-based generation) for 3-5 and a very unpleasant incident took ation so far achieved for few hours on a years would create power tariff in- place that a BUET student was beaten to summer day on 29 May 2019 was crease. But from 2014 and onwards, the death. The government also allowed 12,893 MW (grid power). The average tariff would start normalizing due to tra- few companies to set up autogas fran- demand of grid power is about 11,000 - ditional fuel-based power plants coming chise in what many say in non-transpar- 11,500 MW in summer. In winter, it into operation. But in reality, the power ent manner. drops below 7000 MW. Consequently, tariff continues increasing though power huge generation capacity of grid power Some 24 private sector companies in- generation capacity now is way above remains unused. The government has to cluding 5 satellite companies are in op- the actual demand. Industries cannot be pay huge capacity charge to private sec- eration. The government has issued motivated for relying on grid power. All tor generators. The costs of generation licenses to 54 companies. Some com- traditional fuel-based power generation go higher, as a result. The only remedy panies are now ready for entering the mega projects are running at least 3-5 is either adjusting the power tariff or over-saturated LPG market. According years behind the schedules. The gov- providing subsidy. Even having huge to the EP cover story, four leading com- ernment policymakers definitely got

March 1, 2020 17 misguided by the bureaucracy dominated ment in many areas including power ity professionals instead of considering power and energy sector management. and energy. By this time, the huge suc- it as retirement resorts. Power and En- cess in increasing power generation ca- ergy companies must be left to line pro- Lack of Coordination Among Enterprises pacity could create situation for creating fessionals. The government initiatives of mega proj- sustainable energy security — supplying It is usual that the power and energy ects in power and energy sector got im- quality power and energy to all on un- sector suffers for lack of generation and peded for lack of coordination among interruptible basis at affordable cost. But production capacities. But in case of different enterprises of power and energy heavily bureaucratic control of power Bangladesh, it is the curse of plenty for sectors. Petrobangla miserably failed in and energy administration has created poor vision and lack of professional taking required actions for exploiting the present situation. Ministry of Power management. The government urgently discovered coal reserve. Very little has and Energy considering BPDB, needs policy revisions to get out of it. been done in expediting oil and gas ex- Petrobangla, BPC and companies as the ploration at onshore and offshore. If extension of the ministry has added to EP Petrobangla could ensure meeting the the crisis. The government must rethink fuel demand of gas-based power gener- the strategy. BERC requires to be Khandker Abdus Saleque; ation, the contracts of many of the im- strengthened with young dynamic qual- NRB, Energy Professional ported liquid fuel-based power plants could be scrapped by now. Petrobangla Report made inordinate delays in importing LNG. Plans for too many FSRUs and Wärtsilä Gas Power Plant to some small FSRUs were wrongly con- ceived and after wasting time and en- Facilitate Growth of Bangladeshi ergy abandoned. As of now, Petrobangla supplies only 560-600 MMCFD of Industrial Complex RLNG. Capacity charges are being paid to FSRU owners as they have capacity he technology group Wärtsilä has tories are being built, independent for supplying 1000 MMCFD RLNG from Tbeen awarded to supply a 78 MW power generation is needed to ensure mid-2019. National gas reserve contin- engine power plant on a fast-track a reliable supply of electricity, and to ues depleting. No new RLNG may be basis in order to support the growth of control the cost of that supply. added above 1000 MMCFD before an industrial complex in Bangladesh. The continued development of the 2025. The offshore exploration cam- The order was placed in November by complex is largely dependent upon paign still remains uncertain. Jamuna Power, a part of the Jamuna having an own power plant for the in- The government effort for imported fuel- Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial units, which is why Wärtsilä’s based power generation is leading to dustrial conglomerates. ability to deliver on a fast-track basis uncertainties. The first unit of 660 MW The plant will be installed at the Ja- was an important factor in the award capacity of 1320 MW Payera power muna Industrial Park project in the of the contract. plant cannot come into commercial op- northeastern part of the country, and it “An uninterrupted power supply is a eration for uncertainty over coal trans- will operate on eight Wärtsilä 34SG basic need for industry, and to ensure portation and inadequate power engines fueled by gas. this we need to have our own captive evacuation capacity. The planned coal plant. Wärtsilä has a strong presence The industrial park is currently operat- port / terminal at Payra being imple- in Bangladesh with a first-rate track ing on electricity from the national mented by Payra Port Authority looks record and excellent support capabili- grid. However, as more and more fac- uncertain. It will be impossible to trans- ties. What is port coal using traditional coal carriers more, they can through continuously dredging about 90 deliver the KM port channel. Apart from coal plant quickly. It power plants at Matarbari, other im- was an easy ported coal power plants elsewhere decision for us would suffer for coal transportation. to choose Hence fuel mix crisis is growing big for Wärtsilä,” said lack of coordination among different Mr Shamim agencies. Islam, Manag- Success of Government is ing Director, Ja- Overshadowed muna Power The present government over the past Ltd. EP 11 years has made milestone achieve-

March 1, 2020 18 Report

Mr. Derrick S. Brown, USAID Mission BIMSTEC to Promote Regional Director to Bangladesh, said: “USAID is fortunate to partner with BIMSTEC, to Electricity Grid address some of the common critical issues, such as to create an enabling environment that supports cross-border EP Report power trade, establishment of a power market, and create IMSTEC Sec- consensus and sup- retariat in col- port from the key Blaboration decision-makers with USAID-funded and stakeholders”. program titled South Asian Re- BIMSTEC, a regional Initiative for gional organization Energy Integration with its permanent (SARI/EI) on Febru- Secretariat in ary 25 -26 organ- Dhaka, brings to- ized a conference gether seven coun- at the BIMSTEC tries from South Secretariat, Dhaka and Southeast Asia on Enhancing En- — Bangladesh, ergy Cooperation in Bhutan, India, the BIMSTEC re- Myanmar, Nepal, gion. Sri Lanka and Myanmar — to pro- Government offi- creased regional cooperation in the en- mote regional cooperation for rapid cials, diplomats, energy experts and ergy sector in the region, Ambassador M economic development. think tanks from BIMSTEC Member Shahidul Islam, Secretary General of In 2018, BIMSTEC concluded a Memo- States attended the conference. The BIMSTEC said: “The region is one of the randum of Understanding for Establish- speakers emphasized the need to har- fastest growing economies in the world ment of the BIMSTEC Grid monize the operational, legal and regu- and it is heavily dependent on energy Interconnection to facilitate electricity latory frameworks of the BIMSTEC imports. BIMSTEC wants to promote en- trade among member countries through countries for implementing an intercon- ergy security in the region by promoting a region-wide grid to achieve energy nected regional electricity grid. power trade and development of clean sufficiency. energy resources such as hydropower The conference was inaugurated by Dr. and renewable energy”. EP Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, BB, and En- ergy Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Ambassador M Shahidul Untested Gas Cylinder Use Rampant Islam, Secretary General of BIMSTEC; and Derrick S. Brown, Mission Director housands of CNG-run vehicles are information from their study data. At of USAID/Bangladesh. Tplying the roads across the country least 53 vehicle cylinders blast inci- Inaugurating the conference, the Energy with date-expired gas cylinders putting dents occurred in the last 11 years, re- Adviser emphasized that Bangladesh the passengers’ lives at risk of accident. sulting death and injury to many has made substantial investments in cre- A total of 5, 04, 538 vehicles are using people, says the RPGCL. ating infrastructure for power trade with gas cylinders in the country. There is a regulation that every vehi- India and is in discussions with Nepal Of those, 95,612 cylinders were cle’s gas cylinder must go through test and Bhutan for trilateral power trade. retested from the au- after every five years He also mentioned about Bangladesh’s thorized places so far to confirm its fit- eagerness to expand energy trade with while 4,08,926 re- ness. Myanmar. He called upon developmen- main un-tested. But most of the tal partners to mobilize investments and Rupantarita Prakritik owners of the vehi- create an enabling environment for Gas Company Lim- cles run by the CNG power trade. ited (RPGCL) dis- do not follow the Emphasizing the importance of in- closed the rule. EP

March 1, 2020 19

Report

He said the Bangabandhu Corner Power and En- Will Light Up Every House by Launched at DPDC ergy Ministry Mujib Barsho: PM has announced tate Minister for Power, the Mujib Year as a Service SEnergy and Mineral Re- Year. sources Nasrul Hamid re- “You have to work an extra cently directed the officials of hour every day in the Mujib Dhaka Power Distribution Year and go to customers to Company Ltd (DPDC) to in- ensure better services,” he crease the use of technology told the DPDC officials. to ensure customers’ satisfac- tion. In the function, he inaugurated block-chain technology He came up with the direc- based-prepaid card service to tive after inaugurating the ensure prompt service. Bangabandhu Corner at the DPDC headquarters in the The function was also ad- rime Minister Sheikh The premier said this while city on the occasion of birth dressed by Power Secretary PHasina recently said the inaugurating cent percent centenary of Father of the Dr Sultan Ahmed, DPDC government will "light up electrification in seven dis- Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh managing director Bikash every house across the coun- tricts and 23 upazilas of 18 Mujibur Rahman. Dewan. EP try" within the Mujib Borsho other districts, and a 114MW (birth centenary of Banga- heavy fuel oil-fired power bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rah- plant in Feni. man) by bringing all under Through videoconferencing electricity coverage. from Gono Bhaban in the "Some 40 out of our 64 dis- capital, she also opened the tricts are now under full elec- Sheikh Kamal IT Incubator tricity coverage. We've been and Training Centre con- able to ensure cent percent structed at Bangabandhu electrification of villages in Sheikh Mujib Hi-tech Park in 410 upazilas. We'll light up Rajshahi. every house in Bangladesh The seven districts which by bringing the remaining came under electricity cover- districts and upazilas (under age in their entirety are: cent percent electrification) Falling Oil Prices Prove to be Dhaka, Feni, Gopalganj, Na- by the 'Mujib Borsho', and tore, Pabna, Joypurhat and we've been working to Boon to BPC Meherpur. achieve this goal," she said. EP he spread of the coron- ring loss before the spread of Tavirus in and outside of novel coronavirus, COVID- The spot market for Middle in diesel trading last week China and subsequent fall in 19, is now reaping profit rid- East crude cargoes loading in due to lower global oil oil prices in international ing on the slump in global oil April was virtually non-exis- prices. market turned to be a 'boon' prices, said a senior BPC of- tent this week, as demand Diesel is the main petroleum to Bangladesh Petroleum ficial. continues to be depressed product that the BPC imports Corporation (BPC). due to the coronavirus out- The price of Brent crude, the to meet domestic demand in break. 'Buyers are waiting for The BPC, which was incur- benchmark in international power plants, transports, irri- cargoes to become even oil prices, was gation and industries. cheaper than they are now,' quoted around said sources. $ 57 a barrel The state-run petroleum cor- as on February If the crisis over coronavirus poration imported around 21.It was over outbreak continues, the 5.0 million tonnes of diesel $70 per barrel global oil prices might slip and 200,000 tonnes of fur- on January 07, further making the BPC fis- nace oil last year, which is 2020 in regu- cally healthier. expected to increase in the lar futures current year, said the BPC of- The BPC counted profit ficial. market. worth around Tk 3.0 per litre EP

March 1, 2020 21 Report USNorwegian JV to Launch Dhaka’s Five More Areas Likely to Oﬀshore Survey This Year Get Prepaid Gas Meters from July he household consumers He said now a process is un- tate-run Petrobangla has help locate potential hydro- of five more areas in the derway to receive necessary planned to initiate off- carbon (HC) reserve sites in T S capital are going to get pre- approval of the Planning shore survey this year as the the country's territorial water paid gas meters within this Commission through a re- required scrutiny for signing in the Bay of Bengal is likely year as Japan International vised development project the final deal with the rele- to be signed soon. Cooperation Agency (JICA) profile (DPP). vant contractor is complete. The bid winner TGS-Schlum- has approved an additional Titas Gas officials said the or- "We are expecting to initiate berger is expected to survey funding for an ongoing proj- ganization is getting ready to the multi-client seismic sur- 22 offshore hydrocarbon ect of Titas Gas. vey this year," said an official blocks. implement the prepaid gas at Petrobangla. "We've already received JICA meter project in new five The blocks cover 81,000- approval for funding installa- areas of Dhaka aimed at re- He said the final deal with square kilometers having the tion of 120,000 additional ducing the wastage of natural the Norwegian-US joint ven- depth ranging from 20 meters prepaid gas meters of the gas. ture, TGS-Schlumberger, to to 2,500 meters in the Bay. project," said an official at The areas are Paltan, Ramna, initiate the survey that would Titas Gas Transmission and On completion New Market, Khilgaon and Distribution Company Ltd. of the survey, the Segunbagicha JV company will which are be able to sell the mainly lo- seismic data to cated in the the interested in- central part of ternational oil the city under companies, or the Dhaka IOCs. EP South City Corporation Stove fire (DSCC). Short Circuit Caused 39pc triggered EP Fire Incidents Last Year 4,428 fire incidents Underground Cabling Project lectrical short circuit was a (18 per cent) while cigarette Eleading cause of fire inci- butts sparked 4,153 fires (15 Faces Delay dents in residential and indus- per cent). trial buildings across the pilot project to take Tabian Electric Apparatus country last year, official data And burning ashes caused Aoverhead cables under- (TBEA) Co. Ltd, the Chinese revealed. nearly 3.0 per cent of fire in- ground in Dhanmondi area government-selected con- cidents. The same number of of the capital faces delay tractor which won the proj- The electrical short circuits re- fire incidents was caused by due to the outbreak of ect work, has got stuck in sulted in 8,644 fire incidents kids while playing with fire, or 39 per cent of all fires deadly coronavirus in China. Wuhan”, said a senior offi- according to the data. cial at the DPDC who is across the country in 2019, Dhaka Power Distribution dealing with the project. The causing over Tk 2.32 billion in However, the causes of some Company Ltd (DPDC) could official, who preferred not to property damage, according 7.0 per cent of fire incidents not start its underground ca- could not be known. be named, said the TBEA of- to the Bangladesh Fire Service bling pilot project as per and Civil Defense (BFSCD) fice has been closed in Besides, 19 fire incidents schedule as the team of a data. Wuhan and now it is uncer- (0.18 per cent) took place in Chinese contractor has been tain when the office will re- In 2018, the short circuits ships during the period and 12 stuck in Wuhan due to the open. caused 7,825 fires, damaging fire incidents (0.2 per cent) in prevalence of coronavirus, property worth over Tk 2.04 aircraft, the BFSCD data re- officials said. He said only a few of the of- billion. vealed. The fire department ficials of the Chinese com- According to sources at the personnel inspected 7,114 in- pany are now in Dhaka. Fire from burners or stoves, DPDC, the project’s work dustrial units, factories and of- DPDC officials communi- cigarette butts and burning fices in 2019 to ensure fire was supposed to start in the cate with them through ashes were other major causes safety and security as per its first week of January. videoconferencing to avoid of fires in 2019, the data regular duty. showed. EP “But the entire team of the any trouble. EP

March 1, 2020 22 Report Govt Plans Power Tariﬀ Cut SummitJERA Meets PM for Industrial Units he government is planning with a production of 3100MW Tto reduce power tariff for of electricity. industrial units in fresh tariff “Captive Power Plants are adjustment scheme as a high- consuming 478mmcfd of nat- powered committee for power ural gas for generating division suggested bringing 2800MW of electricity per down electricity price to Tk day and we are planning to di- 0.67 per kilowatt hours for in- vert 100mmcfd of gas to grid ’ dustrial units. electricity from it lowering the atoshi Onoda, President of JERA-Mitsubishi consortium s JERA and Muhammed Aziz desire to invest in on-shore The committee suggested low- power tariff in industrial pur- S Khan, Founder Chairman of LNG terminal in Matarbari to ering the power tariff as poses,” the official said. Summit Group, met with ensure progress of 2800MW of non-grid captive He said the government rev- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh. power is using its own elec- enue will not drop in fiscal at her office in Dhaka re- tricity for industrial produc- Muhammed Aziz Khan, year 2020-21 despite the cently. tion. downward adjustment of tariff Chairman of Summit Group Now, Industrialists are using for industrial units. The Prime Minister was happy also reiterated along with to see the private sector part- Satoshi Onoda their desire to grid electricity at a cost of Tk8. A high-powered committee nership of Summit and JERA in invest more and provide novel So, they are not interested in has submitted the proposal developing infrastructure, as solutions for Bangladesh. using non-reliable ‘costly’ grid before the power division sec- this reflects friendship be- power, an official said on con- retary recently which has also In addition, honorable Adviser tween the two countries. dition of anonymity. forwarded it before the to the Prime Minister on He said a total of 1771 indus- Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Japanese Ambassador to Power, Energy & Mineral Re- trial units have so far received Commission (BERC) for con- Bangladesh Naoki Ito also ap- sources Affairs Dr Tawfiq-e- sideration. preciated that the two very captive power permission EP Elahi Chowdhury, BB, large companies both the honorable State Minister of countries have partnered for Ministry of Power, Energy and A Focus on Peaking Global the progress of Bangladesh. Mineral Resources Nasrul Carbon Emissions Satoshi Onoda informed the Hamid MP, Secretary to the Prime Minister about the on- Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) he IEA hosted a high-profile emissions stopped growing in going project of Summit-JERA- discussion this month to re- 2019 even as the world econ- Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, T GE consortium building a 583 view how the energy sector omy expanded by 2.9%. the Japanese ambassador to MW Combined Cycle Power Bangladesh Naoki Ito, CEO of can meaningfully reduce The discussions at IEA head- Plant (CCPP) in Meghnaghat JERA Asia Toshiro Kudama, greenhouse gas emissions. quarters in Paris focused on which is expected to be the Managing Director & CEO of The speakers included Kwasi how real-world energy solu- largest CCPP plant in Summit Power International Kwarteng, the Minister for tions and ambitious policies Bangladesh when completed Ayesha Aziz Khan were pres- Business, Energy and Clean can enable the world to reach in 2022. Growth of the United King- and even exceed climate goals. ent at the occasion. EP dom, which holds the Presi- The audience of ambassadors, He also expressed Summit- business leaders, investors, en- dency of the upcoming COP26 more than 40 countries. of the energy sector, we have ł ergy experts and journalists in- this year; Micha Kurtyka, no chance of solving our cli- cluded representatives from "Without solving the challenge Poland's Minister of Climate mate challenge," Dr Fatih and President of COP24; and Birol, the IEA’s Executive Di- Joan Groizard Payeras, Direc- rector, said in his opening re- tor-General at the Ministry for marks. the Ecological Transition of Spain, which hosted COP25. "We want 2019 to be remem- bered as the year of peaking The three COP hosts spoke on global emissions and the 12 February, a day after the IEA 2020s as the decade of the de- released new data showing cline in emissions. And the en- that despite expectations of an- ergy sector is ready to be part other increase, global energy- of the solution." related carbon dioxide EP

March 1, 2020 23 Report Political Clouts Spike Losses of Signiﬁcant Progress in Gas Companies Manufacture of Passive Core he increasing costly sys- Petrobangla chairman ABM Flooding System for RNPP Ttemic losses of the gas Abdul Fattah presided over transmission and distribution the meeting. anufacture of the first tor's primary circuit. The sys- companies have been prima- body parts of hydro ac- tem comprises eight thick- Sources present at the meet- M rily attributed to unwarranted cumulators for passive core walled hydro accumulators, ing said Fattah had issued a political influence at a high- flooding system intended for each having a capacity of “strict directive” to the man- level policy meeting. Unit 2 of Rooppur Nuclear 120 cubic meters. During op- aging directors of the gas dis- Power Plant (RNPP) in eration the accumulators are The meeting also observed tribution companies to keep Bangladesh has been com- filled with boric acid solution that unless such undue polit- their gas connections in pleted. Petrozavodsk Branch designated for core cooling. ical influence is restrained, check and make sure a large of “AEM-Technology” (con- The body of each hydro ac- such systemic losses in the pile of gas does not get lost cern of Atomenergomash, the cumulator is composed of gas sector cannot be less- systemically. Most of the sys- machine-building division of three shells, each weighing ened. temic loss is the amount of the Russia’s State Corporation gas the transmission and dis- 15.5 tons. Assembled with At the meeting held at the Rosatom) is manufacturing tribution companies lose out the in-vessel and bottom Petrobangla headquarters re- the system. to illegal gas lines. components, a passive core cently, which the top officials The passive core flooding flooding system accumulator from all the gas distribution Interestingly, the systemic system is a crucial element of weighs about 77 tons. and transmission companies loss of Titas Gas Transmission the NPP's safety system de- Atomenergomash is the sin- attended, a directive was is- and Distribution Company signed to release decay heat gle-source manufacturer for sued to curb the systemic Ltd (TGTDCL)–the largest in the event of a serious the Rooppur NPP reactor hall losses within 2020. gas transmission and distribu- coolant accident in the reac- tion company–has in- and a supplier for The government, too, has is- creased dramatically in most of the tur- sued the order to the top offi- coincidence with the injec- bine island equip- cials of the gas transmission tion of the costly imported ment. The and distribution companies liquefied natural gas (LNG) division's to reduce their systemic loss into the national grid line, ac- branches produce as the costly imports of lique- cording to a provisional esti- reactors, steam fied natural gas (LNG) is mate. generators, pump- bleeding the government. EP ing and heat-ex- changing equipment. 1,600MW Power Import from EP India May Face Delay Due to He said the consortium mem- China order and asking people Coronavirus Outbreak bers of EPC contractors of the to stay at home and avoid con- under construction power tact with the crowd. he 1600MW (Megawatts) indefinite period due to Coro- plants–-SEPCOIII Electric “It has seriously restricted en- electricity import from In- navirus epidemic in China. T Power Construction Co Ltd, gineering, procurement, man- dian power giant Adani-spon- “The outbreak of the said virus Electric Power Construction ufacturing and logistics for the sored Ultra Super Critical has adversely affected the Company Ltd, Tiejun Interna- construction of two unit of Thermal Power Projects tional (HK) Ltd and HTG Engi- manufacturing activities re- 800MW Godda power plant (USCTPP) in Godda of Jhark- neering have issued a notice lated to the 1600MW USCTPP, due to serious epidemic after hand might be delayed for an last month due to the unusual Godda,” Bikash February 2, 2020,” Wang delay to implement the proj- Wenhui said. Mandal, director of ects. Adani Power, India “The said force majeure event informed Bangladesh SEPCOIII Electric Power Con- is still continuing and it has led Power Development struction Co Ltd project man- to a situation which is beyond Board (BPDB) early ager Wang Wenhui informed our reasonable control and of of the current month Adani that the transportation of EPC contractor,” Bikash Man- through an official many cities have been closed dal, director of Adani Power letter. as per the government of told BPDB. EP

March 1, 2020 24 Report Bangladesh 2nd to China in LNG Raise Power Consumption Demand Growth in Asia to 1,000 Kwh

angladesh imported 3.89 emerging economy, a six-fold Bmillion tonnes of lique- increase in LNG imports fied natural gas (LNG) in would be seen over 2019-40 2019 which is six times to meet gas demand. higher than the imports in the However, the gap between previous year. gas tariffs and supply cost It brought the country to the will be the main problem to second position behind facilitate higher LNG im- China in terms of Asian LNG ports, because the govern- demand growth markets for ment supplies gas with a tate Minister for Power, with the electricity consump- 2019, says a recent report. subsidy. SEnergy and Mineral Re- tion, he said. sources Nasrul Hamid has His call came against the This consumption also left The report suggested revising urged officials of Bangladesh the country accountable for 8 the gas tariff policies to nar- backdrop of surplus electric- Rural Electrification Board ity as the country's power percent of global LNG de- row the gap and to build im- (BREB) to pursue rural people mand growth in that year. porting infrastructures. production capacity is now to raise their electricity con- 22,000 MW against the aver- The report also predicted that The initial reserves of the dis- sumption to 1,000 kilowatt age demand of 12,000 MW. due to a decline in local gas covered gas fields in hour from existing 98 kWh. The demand further drops to supply in the South Asian Bangladesh were 27.81 tril- "You have to take prompt ini- 6,000 MW in winter and a lion cubic feet tiative so that rural con- (TCF). From that, huge amount of electricity re- sumers can increase their mains idle for lack of de- 16.44 TCF have consumption to 1000 kWh." been used, leaving mand. the country's total He spoke while addressing For this, the government has reserves at only the annual conference of to incur huge financial losses 11.47 TCF. BREB general managers at its in paying private power pro- EP headquarters in the city re- ducers from which it pur- cently. Govt Against New Power power chases electricity at higher division. The overall development will tariff than its selling rate. accelerate by keeping pace EP Plants in Economic Zones Allowing power he government is likely to plants in economic zones Mega Projects Manifest BD, Japan Trestrict new power plants will contradict with the rein economic zones thanks to Partnership Progress ’ vised power system master the country s surplus electric- plan-2016, the official said. ity generation capacity apan's Ambassador to Rapid Transit) and Matabari- against the demand. The power division has also JBangladesh Naoki Ito has Moheshkali area development requested the energy and said that the partnership be- as well as the Kanchpur, The power division has made mineral resources division tween Bangladesh and Japan Meghna and Gumti second a request to the Bangladesh (EMRD) to provide a list of has shown a remarkable bridges construction. Economic Zones Authority captive power plants as progress represented by the The Japanese ambassador (BEZA) in this regard. many industrial units are mega projects. made the remarks while ad- “We have requested the using captive electricity for He mentioned the third termi- dressing a reception hosted by BEZA not to allocate land for not getting a smooth supply nal of the Dhaka International Japan's embassy in Dhaka cel- power plants in economic of electricity. Airport, Dhaka MRT (Mass ebrating the first birthday of zones without the consent of Bangladesh has already ex- the Emperor Naruhito power division,” an official ceeded the grid electricity after the enthrone- said. generation capacity of ment last year. 19,630MW. Besides, a total Planning Minister MA He said some power plant of 2800MW of electricity is Mannan attended the projects have been allowed being generated by captive program as the chief in special economic zones power plants. guest. without the consent of the EP EP

March 1, 2020 25

World Coronavirus: An Avalanche for Global Economy & Risks for Bangladesh

Serajul Islam Quadir

panic that has been spreading continues to spread. now locked in their own cities. Dozens over the world has sent a chill of global airlines have either stopped or The virus has the potential to cause throughout the global economy. curtailed flights to and from China. A deep economic injuries and market dis- The virus now has created a lot of noise location when the world is not ready for Short supplies of auto parts have forced beyond China, and could be much such an economic disaster. Hyundai to close plants in South Korea. more damaging for the economy that Qualcom, the world’s biggest maker of might be unthinkable at this point. Due to globalization of business and Smartphone Chips said that the out- economy, dependence on countries is The reality is that China is an indispen- break of virus has caused significant un- now much more interconnected. This sable part of global trade and business certainty of demand for smart phones. If trend has encouraged companies to for most countries including Bangladesh the virus continues its outbreak, then the build supply chains across national bor- churning out products like iPhone and economic damage will increase rapidly. ders. Now this virus is snarling supply ever-growing demanding commodities Potential cascading economic effects chains and disrupting companies. like oil and copper. China has the capa- worried the leading economists and pol- bility to consume luxury products like Car plants outside China have been icy makers. It will paralyze the whole expensive cars and the country can asked to keep closed after the Lunar system of economy at first internally or boast its millions of wealthy citizens New Year holiday. As a result, almost all domestically, then regionally and ulti- who have the ability to spend billions of global automakers like Toyota, Volkswa- mately globally. People have been dollars for tourism across the world as gen, General Motors, Honda and asked and also preferred to stay at well. China had a 4% ownership in Hyundai could not resume operations in home. global economy which grew to as much the international car market. According The People’s Bank of China has already as 16%. to S & P global ratings, the outbreak will cut a key interest rate in the first week force carmakers in China to cut produc- The new coronavirus has already killed of February and pumped substantial tion by at least 15% in the first quarter. several hundred people and infected amounts of liquidity into the markets to Early in February, Toyota said that it several thousands of people across more ease pressure on banks. Tax breaks and would keep its functions close for than two dozen countries and territories subsidies are also envisaged. There is weeks. mainly the epicenter of China. The au- still and anticipation with apprehension thority of China has locked down Tourism and aviation are also hit hard as that the growth will be gradually slow- Wuhan, the center point of virus and Chinese customers, who spend huge ing down. Central banks in neighboring many more other cities, but the virus amount of money for vacations, are countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thai- land and the Philippines have also cut interest rates recently. Besides, many other countries across the borders are also planning to follow with similar measures. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already issued warning to the oil- rich Gulf Arab States early February. “Rein in your spending or risk exhaust- ing all of your oil savings within the next fifteen years.” Saudi Arabia is also on the IMF watch list, a list that also includes the gas rich Qatar. Low oil prices coupled with slower oil demand growth due to China’s crisis threaten the livelihood of the fossil-fuel dependent states — and no IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that the deadly coronavirus epidemic will dent global growth at the G20 summit in Riyadh one is above this risk.

March 1, 2020 27 The region’s total wealth, estimated at $2 trillion, will turn negative by 2034 if oil is to trade at $55 per barrel, IMF said. This price will convert this oil-rich region as a net borrower, IMF predicted with apprehension. Risks for Bangladesh Fears of an adverse effect due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China on Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector (RMG) cannot be overruled. If there is negative impact, it will directly harm the country’s overall economic growth since RMG is the mainstay and back- bone of Bangladesh’s economy. Recently Bangladesh’s Commerce Min- ister Tipu Munshi, who is also a leading business personality in the RMG sector, materials for the export-led industries. ing that at the end of the day the gov- said that the government was appre- The second largest economy in the ernment may not be able to achieve the hending an adverse effect in the overall world is also Bangladesh’s leading trade targeted objectives that are mapped out economy. The government is in talks to partner. More than 40% textile and tex- in the national budget. New investments evaluate the prevailing situation and tile related goods and 30% capital ma- and execution of present business and ways to tackle any consequences. We chinery comes from China. infrastructure related projects will be cannot ignore the global economic de- slower. The country’s manufacturing sector, pression caused by the spread of virus mainly ready-made garment, textile, To avoid any long term impact the gov- may affect the national economy. plastic and leather, is about to face a ernment and the manufacturers must We cannot ignore the vast dependence supply disruption due to the sharp come up with alternative sources of im- on China. Data available from the spread of the virus. Uncertainty in the ports. Bangladesh government should Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of manufacturing sector is a great threat for engage all our foreign missions across the country, shows that the imported country’s overall economy. Demands the world without any lapse of time to commodities from China were worth from global buyers of apparel goods find out the sources of new supplies. close to $14 billion and the exported may also fall. EP goods were worth about $850 million The economic meltdown will affect the in the fiscal year of 2018-2019. common people’s lives that are living Bangladesh’s fiscal year runs through Serajul Islam Quadir; from hand to mouth substantially with July to June. Executive Editor of the AmCham the increase in prices of day to day com- Journal & Immediate Past Bureau The outbreak of the deadly virus now modities that we import from China Chief & Chief Correspondent of has become a distress for Bangladesh’s pushing the inflation up. Collection of Reuters in Bangladesh, economy and the supply chain of raw revenue will also face a setback, mean- [email protected]

March 1, 2020 28 Article Unabated Blowout Crater Natural Gas Release: A Potential Source Of Gas

Nadim Reza Khandaker

n a recent trip to a gas drilling a second blowout crater in Sylhet gas field, it look at how Iwas disconcerting to see that in a to mitigate blowout crater approximately 500 m2 the unabated in area now filled with water where nat- release of ural gas is constantly being released un- natural gas abated. One might add that the release and put it to of the gas is with significant pressure beneficial and localized in certain areas of the use. pond clearly visible on the surface of the As an applied crater pond (Figure 1 below). To the lo- research proj- cals, the crater is known as Utlar Par a ect at the lo- verbal explanation of the phenomenon cation where they are observing in the crater of the the gas was gas bubbling out just like when water bubbling was boils in a pot. The local guides put on a Figure 1: Clearly visible release of gas at Utlar Par Sylhet Gas Field covered by show for the tourist where they set the plastic sheet and the gas collected to bustion. surface gas bubbles on fire (Figure 2 show that the gas can be retrieved very below). The blowout occurred in 1955, A 500 m2 pond can easily be covered easily and put to beneficial use rather when a well was drilled to a depth of by geomembrane, the collected gas than unabated release to the atmos- 2,377 meters and gas was found, after then can be put to beneficial use. The phere. Gas impermeable membrane casing was set, a blowout occurred and technology is proven in the biogas in- (geomembrane covers) are commonly a large crater was formed into which the dustry [2] and what is required is the used to cover anaerobic lagoon used in drilling rig sank. The crater is filled with will to try in a different application. As wastewater treatment and the biogas water and existing as a pond which is researchers our research team is willing generated that bubbles out of the liquid today still there and known as Utlar Par to work with the Sylhet Gas Field Au- is trapped in a head space between the and vent gas from the subsurface to the thorities to explore the viable mitigation liquid surface and the membrane and atmosphere unabated year round since option that we have shown to be viable then is drawn of for beneficial use as 1955 [1]. In the new nexus of climate in a limited scale. EP combustible fuel for boilers or for fuel to change and global warming and power combustion engines to generate Bangladesh is directly being affected by Nadim Reza Khandaker, Ph.D.P.Eng. electrical power [2]. In the limited ap- greenhouse gas emission, it is prudent North South University, plied research as a proof of concept, the for the stylet gas field operators to take Dhaka Bangladesh and College of escaping gas Science and Technology, was trapped Royal University of Bhutan using simple gas imper- Reference: meable lo- 1. Md. Ashraful Islam Khan, Fuad Bin Nasir. (2014). A Review Over Major Gas cally Blowouts In Bangladesh, Their Effects And available The Measures To Prevent Them In Future. plastic sheet International Journal of Scientific and and was fur- Technology Research. Vol. 3:9. Page 109- ther ignited 113. to show that 2. J. DeGarie, T. Crapper, B.M. Howe, B.F. it was of suf- Burke and P.J. McCarthy. (2000). Floating ficient Geomembrane Covers for Odour control methane and Biogas Collection and Utilization in content to Municipal Lagoons. Water Science and support com- Figure 2: Guides setting fire to the gas bubbles at Utlar Par Sylhet Gas Field Technology Vol.42:10—11 pp 291—298.

March 1, 2020 29

Bangladesh Appeals for More Partners SHS Improving to Help RollOut OﬀGrid Solar Quality of Life in Southeast Asia: Report

majority of households surveyed in ASouth Asian countries, including India, said solar home systems (SHS) have helped in improving their quality of life, according to a report by industry body GOGLA. SHS is a stand-alone photovoltaic system, which offers a cost-effective mode of supply of power for lighting and ap- pliances to remote off-grid households. Established in 2012, GOGLA is a global scheme to install solar lighting wants more NGOs, micro-finance com- association for the off-grid solar energy and household power, as well as panies and even private companies to industry. The report surveyed 949 house- Abiogas and solar cookers and come on board. holds in South Asia, mostly in rural India, larger PV plants, has already driven de- on solar home system (SHS). The government is bankrolling installa- ployment of more than 1.2 million sys- tion of the clean energy systems as it "94 per cent of households report their tems. Now the government wants more aims for renewables to supply 10% of quality of life has improved since pur- partners to join the program. the nation’s electricity. chasing SHS," the association for off-grid The government of Bangladesh is bid- solar energy industry said in its latest re- Interested organizations must have a ding to attract more partner companies port. “successful track record and experience to participate in its ‘Taka’ program, in installation of solar energy systems”, While 90 per cent households said they which aims to bring renewable energy IDCOL has stated, specifying they feel safer with off-grid solar SHS, 11 per- street lighting, cooking stoves and should be profitable; have at least three cent conceded that usage of SHS help household electricity to every off-grid generate additional income, as per the years’ experience of rolling out solar en- community in the nation. report titled 'Powering Opportunities in ergy programs; and have installed at South Asia research' said. State-run renewable energy finance least 2,000 solar home systems, 500 body the Infrastructure Development solar street lights, 50 net metered solar About 66 percent respondents said chil- Company Ltd (IDCOL) has already over- rooftop arrays with minimum generation dren have now more time to do their seen the installation of more than 1.2 capacities of 10 kWp; or any combina- homework. "SHS help households to un- million clean energy systems since 2016 tion thereof. dertake more economic activities as well by working with 58 Bangladeshi partner as generate additional income of up to Interested organizations must also be organizations on the program. USD 66 a month and overall this addi- registered with appropriate regulatory tional work leads to job creation," it said. With rural off-grid communities receiv- authorities. Private concerns organized ing household-level solar home systems, under the laws of Bangladesh and incor- About 61 per cent of those surveyed re- community solar projects, solar street porated with the registrar of Joint Stock ported the grid as their main source of lights and biogas and solar-powered Companies will also be considered. light and 62 per cent said that SHS is their secondary source of power. cookers under the scheme, IDCOL EP EP

March 1, 2020 31

IDCOL Extends Financing to Fakhruddin Textile for Rooftop Solar Project India May Find It Diﬃcult to Meet Its RE Target

ndia’s renewable energy (RE) sector Iseems to be losing steam, even as the total capacity has reached almost 86 GW by December 2019, says the latest State of India’s Environment Annual report, released at the 2020 Annual Media Conclave and Anil Agarwal Dialogue nfrastructure Development Company tion, FTML can export unutilized electric- recently. Limited (IDCOL) signed facility agree- ity to the national grid under the Net Me- I India has set itself a target of 175 gi- ment with Fakhruddin Textile Mills Ltd. tering Guideline 2018. gaWatt (GW) RE capacity by 2022 -- (FTML), a concern of Urmi Group, on 23 Currently the unit cost of electricity from mainly in the form of 100 GW solar (60 February to finance Rooftop Solar Project rooftop solar is below Tk 8.0, which with a capacity of 2037.75 kWp. GW utility-scale and 40 GW rooftop) makes the proposed investment very lu- and 60 GW wind. Between 2014 and Mahmood Malik, Executive Director & crative as the tariff is cheaper than the 2018, the RE sector grew from 2.6 GW CEO, IDCOL and Asif Ashraf, Managing grid electricity tariff. to 28 GW -- a cumulative aggregated Director, Fakhruddin Textile Mills Ltd. The project will be implemented with a growth rate of around 18 per cent. (FTML) signed the agreement on behalf of total project cost of Tk 14.09 crore. But, says the report, “there has been a their respective organizations. Under this facility agreement, IDCOL will slowdown in capacity addition and auc- Electricity to be produced from this proj- provide concessional loan of Tk 11.27 tions due to emerging risks and unad- ect will not only reduce electricity bills of crore. IDCOL plans to finance 300 MWp dressed structural issues.” FTML but also reduce the diesel con- rooftop solar projects by 2022. sumption during load shedding. In addi- EP Annual additions to solar capacity have dipped drastically to 6.5 GW in 2018- country's coastal re- 19, from 9.4 GW in 2017-18. In wind Green Groups Call for Steps gions from cyclones energy, against a sizeable 5.4 GW and other natural disas- to Save Sundarbans added in 2016-17, less than 2 GW was ters, experts said call- added annually in the following two nvironment rights groups have ob- ing for mass awareness years. Eserved the Sundarbans Day with a and government initiatives to make safe call to save the world's largest mangrove the natural shell. The capacity auctioned to developers forest considered as a natural shell to has remained almost constant at 2-3 The threats include indiscriminately ’ protect the country's coastal areas from GW. The share of RE in India s power dumping different types of non- natural calamities. generation in 2018—19 was 10 per cent, biodegradable plastic items including a far cry from the national goal of 40 per Since February 14, 2002, the Sundar- pet bottles and packets in the Sundar- cent share by 2030. bans Day has been being observed in bans. The stagnation, according to the report, the country with the slogan to save and The dumping of such things continues is due to a combination of factors affect- protect the world's largest mangrove for- unabated mainly due to lack of strict ing every aspect from auctions and est. monitoring and awareness among visi- power purchase agreements (PPAs) to Titled World Heritage Site 140,000- tors and a shortage of manpower at the rising costs and payment delays. EP hectare mangrove forest lies on the delta forest department, they said. of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and protect Sundarbans' marking the day. National Committee for Saving the Sun- Meghna in the coastal area of the Bay of darbans (NCSS), Bangladesh Poribesh The rally expressed concern over the Bengal. It is facing different man-made Andolon (BAPA), Center for Human falling fresh water flow in the Sundar- threats, observed experts and rights ac- Rights Movement, and Green Voice bans, the harmful projects including tivists. jointly organized a rally in the city re- Rampal thermal power plant and fishing Sundarbans continued to protect the cently with the slogan being 'to love and using poison in the Sundarbans. EP

March 1, 2020 33 Solar Power Plant Projects Likely to be Delayed Due to Virus Outbreak

mplementation of the ongoing solar of the solar power plants, either in pub- Ipower plant projects that are somehow lic or private sector, are somehow de- Lux Predicts Energy dependent on Chinese machinery and pendent on Chinese machinery and manpower is likely to be delayed by at manpower. Storage Market Will least four months due to the coronavirus Official documents showed that 21 solar Hit $500b by 2035 outbreak. power projects, having about 1,220 “A huge number of Chinese workers MW capacity, are currently being imple- he total energy storage market is ex- who went back home to spend holidays mented under the Power Division. Tpected to grow to $546 billion in an- are unable to return and join the works nual revenue by 2035, according to a Of these, some are being implemented after the outbreak,” said a top official at report released by Lux Research. by state-owned Bangladesh Power De- the Power Division who deals with re- velopment Board (BPDB) where Chi- The report, “Global Energy Storage Mar- newable energy projects. nese companies are working as ket 2019,” estimates that the three main Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, contractors to supply the equipment, drivers of energy storage — mobility appli- has so far killed 1,355 people and in- system and also engaged in construction cations, electronic devices, and stationary fected nearly 60,000 others. of the plants. storage — will reach an annual combined deployment level of 3,046 GWh over the Sources at the Power Division said most On the other hand, some Chinese com- next 15 years, up from the current 164 panies are the sponsors in GWh, with mobility applications making private projects. up the lion’s share of the growth. “But almost all equip- “The energy storage industry is poised for ment are coming from a massive increase in annual revenue and China and Chinese na- deployment capacity as key innovative tionals are working to install those plants,” said the top official of the Power Division, prefer- ring anonymity. EP

nador solar Transmission Key to Large Scale tower and facil- Solar Projects, Says Expert ity is a $1.3bn project — a com- technologies, such as solid-state batteries ’ bined photo- ome of the world s most ambitious and flow batteries, reach commercializa- voltaic (PV) and concentrated solar large-scale solar projects have been tion,” said analyst Chloe Holzinger, one S power (CSP) facility situated in the Ata- plagued by delay, ultimately making of the report’s lead authors. them a financial burden rather than a cama Desert. It has been beset with fi- beacon on the renewable power hori- nancial difficulty since it was first “We continue to expect electric mobility zon. mooted in 2013. applications, primarily light-duty passen- As a result, construction has been ger vehicles, to be the principal long-term Does this mean such projects are out- driver of energy storage annual revenue painfully slow, with the 100 MW PV dated? GlobalData’s power writer An- and demand, with a total market share of component only becoming operational drew Tunnicliffe looks at the problems. 74% by annual revenue and 91% by an- in early 2018. ’ nual deployed GWh by the year 2035.” Tunniclife says: “Chile s Cerro Domi- “Israel is contending with a similar issue. Situated in the Negev Desert, Ashalim Growth in revenue and deployment for the energy storage market over the next power station comprises three sites each three years will be markedly different using different solar technologies, with from the overall 2035 projections, with a fourth planned. It includes a $1.13bn plug-in light-duty vehicles remaining the CSP tower and plant. Since contracts largest market with a predicted $24 bil- were awarded in 2008, the costs of pro- lion increase in revenue by the end of ducing electricity through CSP and PV 2022. have changed dramatically.” EP EP

March 1, 2020 34

Climate Climate Change a Big Challenge FAODoE Launch Project to for All: Minister Monitor CO2 Emissions ood and Agriculture Or- wider scope, including addi- Fganization of the United tional sectors beyond agricul- Nations (FAO), in partnership ture and forestry, which are with the Department of Envi- waste, energy, and industry. ronment (DoE) and environ- FAO Representative in ment ministry recently Bangladesh Robert D Simp- launched a new project aim- son said: "The global re- ing to strengthen sponse to climate change Bangladesh's capacity to today will determine how we monitor environmental emis- feed future generations to- entioning that the cur- Bangladesh (IDEB) Audito- sions. morrow. Agriculture, includ- rent government has rium. M The Capacity Building Initia- ing forestry, crops, fisheries been able to resolve the Dr Abdur Razzaque men- tive for Transparency (CBIT) and livestock production, country’s food crisis, Agricul- tioned that climate change project will be implemented generate around one-fifth of ture Minister Dr Abdur Raz- has not only affected agricul- jointly with DoE with finan- the world's greenhouse gas zaque recently said climate ture but also the normal life cial assistance from the emissions. This must be re- change has turned out to be of people. “About 40 percent Global Environment Facility duced by 2030 to achieve a major concern challenging of the country's population is (GEF). the goal of limiting global every country in the world. directly involved in agricul- Environment Secretary Ziaul warming to CO2.” “Climate change is a global ture. Safe and nutritious food Hasan was present as the Mr Simpson stressed the im- problem. Agricultural pro- is essential for building a tal- chief guest at the launching portance of the government's duction is being hampered ented nation.” ceremony in Dhaka. ambition and plan to achieve due to increase in tempera- Dr Razzaque further said the the sustainable development ture and soil salinity as well CBIT will help Bangladesh government has given a lot of goals (SDGs), which must in- as heavy rains, droughts etc. meet the requirements of the importance to food security clude a rigorous effort to ad- After coming to power, our Paris Agreement. The project issue. “We’ve done a lot to dress environmental and aim was to eliminate food will increase knowledge boost food production. Vari- climate change issues. crisis. That’s why we’re now about the sources of green- ous initiatives, including pro- self-sufficient in food,” he house emissions and improve Ziaul Hasan said that the viding loans to farmers, have data sharing among min- said. ’ CBIT project will help been taken. We ve reduced istries. Bangladesh track its climate The minister was speaking at fertilizer prices… we’ve pro- This is one of the many CBIT action and build the trust and a seminar on climate change vided various facilities to projects that FAO is working confidence that all countries arranged by Bangladesh Cli- farmers. That's why the agri- on worldwide, but what is are contributing their share to mate Change Journalist culture sector has changed unique in Bangladesh is the the global effort to address Forum (BCJF) at the Institute radically.” fact that the project has a climate change. of Diploma Engineers, EP EP BP Aiming for Net Zero zero" carbon emis- Carbon Emissions By 2050 sions by 2050, al- ritish energy giant BP, though it did not provide de- Bunder the leadership of tails how it plans to reach new chief executive Bernard that target. Looney, declared recently that it aims to achieve "net "BP's new ambition to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner covers the greenhouse gas emissions from its Looney on the plans to "fun- "The world's carbon budget is operations worldwide... and damentally transform its finite and running out fast. the carbon in the oil and gas whole organization". We need a rapid transition to that it produces," said a state- net zero. ment ahead of a speech by Looney said in the statement: EP

March 1, 2020 37 Climate DoE Punishes 23 Errant Factories Scientists Gather to Study Risk from Microplastic Pollution iny bits of broken-down searchers from major univer- Tplastic smaller than a frac- sities, government agencies, tion of a grain of riceare turn- tribes, aquariums, environ- ing up everywhere in oceans, mental groups and even from the water tothe guts of water sanitation districts fish and the poop of sea otters across the U.S. West is gath- and giant killer whales. ering in Bremerton, Washing- ton, to tackle the issue. The Yet little is known about the goal is to create a mathemat- effects of these "microplastics" ical risk assessment for mi- – onsea creatures or hu- croplastic pollution in the he Department of Envi- "We conducted the drive mans. Tronment recently discon- against the dyeing factories region similar to predictions nected utility connections of and the steel re-rolling mills "It's such a huge endeavor to used to game out responses to 23 dyeing factories and steel as they did not have ETPs [ef- know how bad it is," said major natural disasters such re-rolling mills in the capital's fluent treatment plants] and Shawn Larson, curator of con- as earthquakes. servation research at the Seat- Kadamtali and Shyampur for environmental clearances The largest of these plastic tle Aquarium. "We're just polluting the Buriganga river from the DoE," said Rubina. bits are 5 millimeters long, starting to get a finger on the and the air. roughly the size of a kernel of The drive is going on in com- pulse." The drive, led by Director pliance with High Court or- corn, and many are much (monitoring and enforce- ders and it will continue This week, a group of five- smallerand invisible to the ment) of DoE Begum Rubina against all such 231 indus- dozen microplastics re- naked eye. EP Ferdousi, also fined seven tries in Dhaka, she added. steel re-rolling mills Tk 1 lakh each for polluting the air. "We severed electricity and The drive began at 11:30am water connections of 23 fac- and continued until 3:30pm tories. Gas connections of six in which representatives of of them were also severed," Rab, police, Wasa, Desa, and the DoE director said. Titas took part. EP Fossil Fuel Methane Emissions ‘Vastly Underestimated’ missions from fossil fuel University of Rochester in Climate Change Included in G20 Eproduction of the potent New York, who led the study, greenhouse gas methane is 25 said in a statement. Final Communique to 40 percent higher than pre- The findings were published viously understood, rein Nature. Carbon dioxide inance officials from the the implications of climate searchers reported recently, (CO2) from burning fossil Fworld's 20 biggest change for financial stability, shining a harsh spotlight on fuels and deforestation ac- economies (G20) meeting in although it dropped climate the global gas industry. counts for about three quarters Riyadh recently reached change from its list of down- “Scientists have been vastly of all global warming. agreement on the wording of side risks to global economic underestimating the amount Methane, which comes from a final communique that in- growth. of methane humans are emit- cludes for the first time a ref- both natural and manmade One of the sources said it ting into the atmosphere via erence to climate change, sources, is responsible for 16 was the first time a reference fossil fuels,” scientists from the percent. G20 diplomatic sources said. to climate change had been Experts not involved in the Compromise language ham- included in a G20 finance study said it would force a re- mered out to overcome US communique, even though it assessment of the role the fos- objections retained a refer- was removed from the top of sil fuel industry must play in ence to the Financial Stabil- the joint statement. curbing climate change. EP ity Board's work examining EP

March 1, 2020 38 Climate

each year IEA Policy Review Commends Air Pollution Costs $2.9 around the Germany’s Eﬀorts to Advance Trillion A Year globe, including 1.8 Clean Energy Transition he global cost of air pol- million in Tlution caused by fossil China and a million in India, he International Energy cently, the government an- fuels is $8 billion a day, or the researchers found. Agency released its latest nounced plans for a phase T roughly 3.3 percent of the The new figure is in line with in-depth review of German out of coal by the end of entire world's economic out- World Health Organization energy policies recently, wel- 2038. put, an environmental re- (WHO) estimates of 4.2 mil- coming the country’s bold Germany’s national climate search group said recently. lion deaths each year linked approach to its clean energy change strategy is defined in to ground-level air pollution, transition. The report from the Centre the Climate Action Plan for Research on Energy and mostly from heart disease, Since the last IEA review of 2050, which sets out a Clean Air (CREA) and Green- stroke, lung cancer and acute German energy policies, the longer-term pathway for sec- peace Southeast Asia is the respiratory infections in chil- Energiewende, German for tor-specific emissions reduc- first to assess the global cost dren. “energy transition,” has been tions, as part of the of air pollution specifically Living in the New Delhi area the defining feature of the Energiewende. from burning oil, gas and of India is like smoking 10 country’s energy landscape. Compared with the base year coal. cigarettes a day, earlier re- It is an impressive plan for of 1990, the key goals are to "We found that the China search has shown. transforming the country’s achieve at least a 40% cut in Mainland, the United States "Air pollution from fossil fuels energy system to a more effi- greenhouse gas emissions by and India bear the highest is a threat to our health and cient one supplied mainly by 2020 and 80-95% by 2050. costs from fossil fuel air pol- our economies that takes mil- renewable energy. It aims to Germany has made notable lution worldwide, an esti- lions of lives and costs us tril- phase out electricity genera- progress in cutting its emis- mated $900 billion, $600 lions of dollars," said tion from nuclear power by sions. In 2019, it had the billion and $150 billion per Minwoo Son, clean air cam- the end of 2022. More re- largest decline in energy-re- year, respectively," the report paigner at Greenpeace East lated carbon said. Asia. dioxide The global cost for 2018 was emissions of Particles thrown off by fossil $2.9 trillion, the report esti- any EU fuel usage account for 4.5 mated. country, ac- million premature deaths EP cording to IEA data released last week. EP RE Outpace Coal in EU

019 was the first year new milestones, by 2030, the 2when European Union EU is planning to generate member countries generated 50% of its energy using re- more energy using renewable newables sources. sources than from coal pro- Deividas Varabauskas, CEO and the growth of renewable dropped by 24%, which duction. Europe is getting ’ and Managing Partner at Sun sources. Of course, there s still quicken the coal phasing out closer to phasing out coal Investment Group, explains a long way to go. Only five process. Gas filled half of the production and replacing it the reasons behind these countries including Germany, difference, solar and wind re- with sustainable sources. changes, “There are many Spain, the Netherlands, UK, placed the other half of the Currently, the EU generates factors determining energy and Italy were responsible for gap. As more Union’s coun- around 30% of its energy generation within the Euro- 79% of this decrease. If other tries agree on reducing coal member countries would fol- from renewable sources, such pean Union. This sharp de- usage, soon the renewables low, we could see much more as wind, solar, and biomass. crease in hard coal will take the wheel of energy prominent results.” For comparison, this number production happened due to generation in the EU. was only 12% in 2000. With increased taxation on CO2, In 2019, coal production EP

March 1, 2020 39 Climate Antarctica Registers Record Chevron Teams Up on Carbon Temperature of Over 20C Capture Investment

cientists in Antarctica nent is now recording tem- he investment will be used to “Chevron is committed to pro- Shave recorded a new peratures in the relatively Tdeliver a pipeline of global ducing affordable, reliable, record temperature of 20.75 balmy 20s is likely to further projects to lower emissions from and ever-cleaner energy,” degrees Celsius (69.35 fuel fears about the warming the oil and gas industry. Chevron Technology Ventures Fahrenheit), breaking the bar- of the planet. Chevron Technology Ventures, President Barbara Burger said rier of 20 degrees for the first the tech arm of Chevron Corp., in a written statement. “We in- The reading was taken at time on the continent, a re- is teaming up with two other vest in breakthrough technolo- Seymour Island, part of a gies that both lower emissions searcher said recently. companies to invest in Lon- chain off the peninsula that don-based Carbon Clean Solu- in oil and gas and are integral "We'd never seen a tempera- curves out from the northern tions. Together with Marubeni to low carbon value chains. ture this high in Antarctica," tip of Antarctica. Corp. and clean energy private Our investment in Carbon Brazilian scientist Carlos Clean Solutions aims to help The island is home to Ar- equity company Wave, the Schaefer said. commercialize and scale car- gentina's Marambio research firms are investing $16 million into the (CO2) capture & sepa- bon capture utilization and He cautioned that the read- base. ration technology company. storage technologies, a key ing, taken at a monitoring sta- Schaefer, a soil scientist, said part of delivering on our com- tion on an island off the The investment will be used to mitment.” the reading was taken as part continent's northern tip on deliver an existing pipeline of of a 20-year-old research This timing of the investment is February 9, "has no meaning global projects to lower emis- project on the impact of cli- ideal, as oil and gas companies in terms of a climate-change sions from the oil and gas in- mate change on the region's have become even more vocal trend," because it is a one-off dustry. CCSL will also invest in permafrost. about increasing measures to temperature and not part of a the development of “con- tainerized” solutions that aim decrease emissions of carbon long-term data set. The previous high was in the to achieve a $30 per tonne dioxide and other greenhouse 19s, he said. But news that the icy conti- EP cost of CO2 capture by 2021. gases in recent quarters. EP

March 1, 2020 40 Interview Start Hydrocarbon Exploration, Coal Mining in This ‘Mujib Barsho’

or arresting the alarmingly rising energy and sector. trend of power and energy prices, Bangabandhu after returning home from the country must initiate actions for F captivity of Pakistan Military Junta in ensuring assured supply of own fuel January 1972 immediately initiated through commencing mining of own massive plans for invigorating energy coal and expediting petroleum explo- and power sector for creating basis of ration in this “Mujib Barsho”. Any fail- economic emancipation. His political Md. MaqbulEElahi Chowdhury ure to ensure smooth supply of own party is now in state power for the fourth primary fuel will not only affect the time, third in succession. Could they fol- country’s energy security, it will also low the footprint of the great visionary make uncertain the supply power and leader? If not, why they could not do so? energy at affordable cost and eventually making it extremely challenging to ma- Bangabandhu had rightly realized that It will be a befitting present to the terialize the Bangabandhu’s dream relying exclusively on agriculture nation if the government can initi Sonar Bangla. Bangladesh may not go too far for economic development. It must go for rapid ate actions in the Mujib Barsho. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commis- industrialization. For that it would re- That will be the most befitting re sion (BERC) member Md. Maqbul-E- quire essentially sustainable energy se- spect shown to the Father of the Elahi Chowdhury, who is the former curity. He also realized that exclusive Nation. I am optimistic that the Director of Petrobangla, said this in an reliance on imported primary fuel government can take such decision exclusive interview with Energy & would not facilitate achieving the eco- absorbing all undue, uninformed Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain in nomic development through industrial- myths and propaganda. early January. ization. He placed highest emphasis on The birth centenary celebration pro- exploring and developing own primary gram of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur fuel — oil, gas and mineral resources. He Rahman will be ceremoniously signed a BDT 20 crore agreement with launched on 17 March 2020. The Min- former Soviet Union in 1972 for gas sec- istry of Power, Energy and Mineral Re- tor cooperation. The activities of Geo- sources (MPEMR) has also adopted logical Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) along with most members of his family programs as part of the national celebra- were expanded with the firm resolve for when he was on massive development tion. How do you look at it? discovering new resources. activities. Bangladesh could continue MPEMR has taken an appropriate initia- Anglo Dutch Company Shell BV was getting supply of cheaper gas from the 5 tive. But, in my opinion, it has to be as- engaged in Bangladesh for oil and gas major gas fields that Bangabandhu man- certained how much the dreamer and exploration, production and marketing. aged to take over from Shell at a nomi- architect of Bangladesh could achieve, Titas Gas Company was advised to ex- nal cost. Power price could remain what he could not achieve and what re- pand its network which Shell did not within affordable limit for a long time as mained incomplete in the very vital en- agree considering it as non-profitable this cheap gas produced almost 90 per- ergy and power sector in his very brief business operation. The government cent of the power generated. Discovery period. On the other hand, it also needs created pressure on Shell for selling its of Barapukuria, Khalaspir and Dighipara to be assessed and ascertained what this ownership of five discovered gas fields could be possible following Banga- government achieved over the past 11 which they accepted after a bit of hesi- bandhu’s designed mining strategy. years in office. These must be guided tation. Talks for developing Jamalganj Bangabandhu took historic initiative for beacons for the government for plan- Coal field also started with India during offshore oil exploration for absorbing oil ning and plotting for implementation in this time. Unfortunately the self-pro- shock of 1970s. Amended Petroleum the Mujib Barsho for the future of the claimed killers murdered Bangabandhu Act was adopted in 1974, creating

March 1, 2020 41 avenues for Production Sharing Con- Do you think sustainable economic de- be acquired from Shell BV following tract (PSC). Maritime law was promul- velopment is possible in this ambience that act, but unfortunately failed adding gated and Bangladesh was the pioneer of price increase? significant field growth so far. What do in the region. PSC was concluded with you think needs to do? 6 IOCs for 6 blocks in the Bay of Bengal. Please note that the power tariff is It is not true that nothing has been done. However, an effort for engaging a Joint largely dependent on the price of fuel. Two Petrobangla-owned companies — Venture (JV) company of local and inter- Fuel import has increased as own re- BGFCL and SGFL — are constantly en- national could not achieve success. serve of discovered fuel has diminished deavoring for enhancing production. As over time. Present plans will continue The present government has drifted a production process of secondary re- away from Bangabandhu’s energy sec- covery, some wellhead compressors tor doctrine. Of course, the Prime Min- The present government have been installed and more are being ister turning deaf to so called procured. These will extend production propaganda of “Bangladesh Floating on has drifted away from life of existing wells at designated pres- Oil and Gas” refused to export gas in Bangabandhu’s energy sure. her first term. But during her time, her We must take note that Petroleum com- government also could not encourage sector doctrine. Of course, panies usually have resource managers. foreign investment in oil, gas and min- the Prime Minister turning 20 percent of company earnings are eral exploration ignoring the ill-moti- reinvested in and resources manage- vated propaganda of a section of civil deaf to so called propa ment further development. These are society. Now it is time to open the on- ganda of “Bangladesh not being done in Bangladesh. We need shore and offshore areas of Bangladesh well planned investment to investigate for oil and gas exploration following the Floating on Oil and Gas” right now whether we have exploitable footprint and vision of Bangabandhu. refused to export gas in her economic resource in the high pressure For this, model PSC must be further zone of 5 major gas fields. This would amended bringing required changes in first term. But during her prolong the local gas supply from the gas pricing similar to that applicable for time, her government also known fields. shallow offshore, for Western Region, Deeper High Pressure Prospects of dis- could not encourage for Exploration and development of own covered gas fields, complicated struc- eign investment in oil, gas natural resources were given top priority tures of Sylhet and Chittagong Hill for keeping economy immune from oil Tracts. On the other hand, decision for and mineral exploration shock of 1970s. There are allegations starting open pit mining at Northern ignoring the illmotivated that the present government has drifted Flank of Barapukuria and mining from away from that policy. What are your Dighipara through JV must be taken propaganda of a section of views? soon. Mine development must be done For political reasons, volatility has been following recommendation of Pricewa- civil society. Now it is time created in the global energy sector. Out- terhouseCoopers (PWC). In addition, to open the onshore and break of Coronavirus has kept the oil the government must take decision of demand suppressed momentarily. But it mining from Phulbari after reviewing offshore areas of may burst anytime. Political turmoil in the Scheme of Development (SOD), Bangladesh for oil and gas the Middle East may create oil shock. which is gathering dust at the govern- We must look for alternate source of ment disposal, by engaging a competent exploration following the supply other than Middle East. But we mining consultant. footprint and vision of must implement fourth industrial revo- It will be a befitting present to the nation Bangabandhu. lution for achieving the Sonar Bangla if the government can initiate actions in dream. Energy security and sustainable the Mujib Barsho. That will be the most supply of power at affordable cost are befitting respect shown to the Father of increasing fuel import. That will have must for this. There is no option but pur- the Nation. I am optimistic that the gov- impacts on price of energy and power suing Bangabandhu’s footprints of own ernment can take such decision absorb- and would have the domino effect on primary fuel exploration and exploita- ing all undue, uninformed myths and prices of all essential commodities. I do tion. But the present government is not propaganda. not think that this would auger well for walking along that route. sustainable economic development. The price of gas increased by 230 per- Energy sector of Bangladesh is getting cent and bulk tariff of electricity in- Petroleum act 1974 vested ownership of increasingly dependent on imported creased by 272 percent and retail price all natural resources to the people of fuel. Do you think sustainable develop- by 187 percent over the past decade. Bangladesh. Five major gas fields could ment is possible following this route?

March 1, 2020 42 Look nothing is impossible. Examples of get back to his footprint and commence use. Japan, Korea and Taiwan are often mining of coal and expedite petroleum It is my firm conviction that the govern- quoted as example for exclusive im- exploration during this Mujib Barsho, ment would pursue that policy from the ported fuel dependent economy. But Bangladesh by 2025 can start deceler- Mujib Barsho. these countries have wide open coast- ating the rising trend of imported fuel EP lines of appropriate drafts for setting up import ports and terminals. Higher drafts Report keep investments for setting up infrastructure within affordable limits. But al- ECNEC Approves Oil Pipeline Project most the entire coastal areas of Bangladesh are very shallow. Setting up of coal port and LNG terminal at Payra in the South is a huge challenge. It has now become a question whether it will be at all feasible. On the other hand, development of Matarbari port through ex- cavating a link canal is being done with huge investment. These would make cost of imported fuel very expensive. The countries mentioned above also do not have own primary fuel which we have. It is not clear to me why we are walking reverse in such reality. Sustain- able development will definitely be im- peded if we continue delaying exploitation of our own fuel resources.

Bangladesh is believed to have about 76 Tcf equivalent discovered coal re- haka and New Delhi will jointly set up by the Indian government from sources. But it has not been possible to set up a 130-kilometre cross-bor- Numaligarh Oil Refinery in Shiliguri exploit this in a planned manner so far. D der petroleum pipeline to import oil through the Indo-Bangla frontier. What should be done? from the Indian state of Shiliguri. The 130km 10-inch diameter pipeline I have already discussed it. I am once To facilitate the work, Bangladesh ap- will transport oil from Numaligarh Re- again reiterating that there is no other proved a Tk 3.06-billion project refinery to Parbatipur Depot in Dinajpur option but to explore own coal and set- cently. district here, Mr Amin said. ting up mine mouth power generation With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in plants. Without wasting any time, we The project includes acquisition of the chair, the Executive Committee of must take decision of mining own coal. 187.34 acres of land, 126.14 acres of the National Economic Council Initiative must also be launched for dis- forced land, 12 acres alongside eight (ECNEC) endorsed the land acquisition covering additional coal resources. acres of forced land acquisition to for the project. There is no other alternative but using transport fuel to Syedpur Power Plant. own coal for getting power at affordable Eight other schemes at a combined The authorities will lay six tanks hav- price. total of Tk 24.22 billion were also en- ing capacity of 6,761 tonnes of oil and dorsed. a terminal at Parbatipur. What initiatives need to be taken in After the meeting, planning division Mujib Barsho for ensuring sustainable They will install the SCADA having secretary Md Nurul Amin told the supply of energy at affordable cost? optical fibre, install various types of media that the ECNEC okayed the valves, static and rotating equipment, friendship pipeline project to acquire Look we have in front of us Banga- procure transformers and power ca- land and develop ancillary facilities. bandhu who left behind footprints of the bles, install pipeline and do testing and energy sector. His vision, ideology must Meghna Petroleum Limited under commissioning work. be followed. His vision was the most Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation optimum use of own fuel resources for will acquire necessary land to lay a Since northern districts have a demand industrial development. He encouraged 125km pipeline inside Bangladesh by for an estimated 0.58 million tonnes of creation of various enterprises for ex- June 2022. fuel oil, the pipeline will help to boost ploring and exploiting own fuel. I up the energy supply there. The remaining 5.0km pipeline will be strongly believe if the government can EP

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