State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid yesterday said uninterrupted power supply would be ensured for the planned 100 economic zones in the country.
Private sectors have been asked to relocate there as industries developed in an unplanned way in the country, he said while addressing a seminar organised by CEMS Global and Energy Bangla in the capital.
Hamid said there is corruption in power sector, especially while providing new connections in rural areas. “We will try to check this but it is impossible to remove corruption completely.”
He said the energy sector’s progress is slow in the country because of corruption. “We are trying to boost the progress. It will be a challenge to free the Power Division from graft by 2016.”
The government has taken measures to cut illegal power and gas connections and drives will begin from January in this regard, said the state minister.
“By the next three years, 70% of households will be covered by LP gas and we are working on it. We are building three new LNG (Liquefied natural gas) terminals and industries will run by imported LNG,” he said.
Hamid also said the government is investing an additional one billion dollars on hydroelectricity.
Ijaz Hossain, professor of chemical engineering at Buet, presented the keynote paper at the seminar.
Ijaz said importing alternative fuel is required to meet the gap between demand and production. “Also, efficient use can save our fuel.”
“It is possible to fulfill the demand for fuel of local industries by imported LNG. Coal-based and oil-fired power plants can ensure the use of alternative fuel. Moreover, people have to use LP gas for cooking instead of gas supplied in pipes,” he said, adding that it is also important to fix the price of LP gas.
Director General of Power Cell Mohammad Hossain said electrcitiy connections will be ensured for all by 2021.
“The government is emphasising renewable energy, particularly for solar-based power plants. The government has already achieved success in the development of power sector.”
Hossain hoped that the government will be able to ensure reliable power supply by the end of its tenure.
Consumers Association of Bangladesh Adviser Prof Shamsul Alam said the lack of good governance is now prevailing in the energy sector which should be addressed. “Otherwise, affordability cannot be ensured.”
Former director of Petrobangla Mokbul-e-Elahi claimed the proven reserve of gas is not 15 trillion cubic feet.
“This is a wrong data which often mislead foreigners. Exploration of hydrocarbon has been shut down and only a limited number of organisations are allowed to do that,” he said.
Buet Professor M Tamim said 85% of the development of export is happening due to cheap energy and low cost of labour.
Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Managing Director UK Bhattacharya said integrated planning is very important for power sector.
“If energy cost is increased, the cost of development will go up and growth will decline,” he added.
