Category: Energy and Power

China has announced a new climate action plan at a UN meeting — its first pledge to include absolute targets for cutting planet-warming gases — setting a goal of reducing emissions by 7-10 percent by 2035. China is the world’s second biggest economy, and since 2006, the largest polluter, now accounting for nearly 30 percent of global emissions. Paradoxically, it is also a clean energy powerhouse, rapidly shifting to renewable energy while selling the world its solar panels, batteries, and electric cars. Beijing’s trajectory will be crucial to whether the world can limit end-of-century warming to 1.5C, the threshold UN scientists say is needed to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate disruption.

under the Paris Agreement, countries must update their ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ every five years. With the year’s main climate summit in Brazil fast approaching in November, expectations were running high for President Xi Jinping’s announcement recently at the United Nations.

Bangladesh’s gas supply chain has been struggling with a chronic deficit for the past four to five years.

the coincident peak demand of connected end users is estimated at 4,200-4,300 MMCFD. However, according to Petrobangla’s daily production report, supply during 24 hours between September 28 and 29 was only 2,809.20 MMCFD.

this figure includes 1,041 MMCFD of imported RLNG, while production from the rapidly depleting domestic fields connected to the national grid stood at 1,768.20 MMCFD.

additionally, the Shabazpur gas field, which is not linked to the grid, currently produces 72 MMCFD for local use in Bhola. Gas reserves at Bhola, discovered by BAPEX in the mid-1990s, remain stranded due to the absence of a transmission pipeline connecting them to the national grid.

the Bhola reserves have also not been professionally assessed.

in the late 1990s, US energy giant UNOCAL, under its proposed Western Region Integrated Project (WRIP), declared its plan to develop Bhola’s gas prospects at its own risk.

the project included building a 20inch, 120-kilometer cross-country pipeline from Shabazpur in Bhola to Digholia in Khulna, along with power plants of 60 MW in Bhola, 100 MW in Barishal, and 300 MW in Khulna. Petrobangla and UNOCAL negotiated agreements covering PSC, GPSA, GTA, and IA.

the teams jointly surveyed a pipeline route that crossed three major tidal rivers and multiple waterways, and the right-of-way (ROW) was finalized.

the project’s estimated cost was $700 million. Had the government approved the project in 1999, Bhola’s gas could have provided supply security to the Barishal and Khulna regions by 2005. Many industries in Jashore and Khulna could have survived, and new agro-based industries could have developed. Moreover, the construction of a controversial imported coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans mangrove forest could have been avoided.

unfortunately, the government withdrew at the final stage of negotiations, leaving Bhola’s gas stranded. Although a transmission pipeline was later built from Ishwardi to Khulna via Kushtia and Jashore, it remains largely unutilized. The Awami League government (2009- 2024) attempted several initiatives to evacuate Bhola’s gas but failed due to a lack of clarity and commitment from Petrobangla and the EMRD.

a controversial decision to convert Bhola gas to CNG for industries in Dhaka also failed to meet its objectives.

there were hopes that the interim government, free from political ambitions, would make a firm decision on connecting Bhola gas to the grid.

instead, it hesitated, weighing the costly option of a transmission pipeline against setting up an LNG plant at Bhola to transport LNG to demand centers.

typically, LNG plants are built at stranded onshore or offshore gas resources only when building a transmission pipeline is technologically infeasible. LNG projects require at least 3-4 TCF of proven reserves to justify the $2-3 billion investment.

in contrast, a transmission pipeline connected to the grid can serve throughout its operational life. From nearly 50 years of hands-on experience as a pipeline engineer in South Asia, Central Asia, and Australiaand from direct involvement in WRIP-I can confidently state that a pipeline from Shabazpur to Khulna via Barishal is entirely feasible.

even today, there is a ready market for 150-200 MMCFD of gas in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions. Yes, crossing large tidal rivers like the Tetulia and Meghna is challenging, but at least a dozen reputable US and European companies could build the 120-km, 24inch pipeline along a clear ROW within two years. Furthermore, the existence of such a pipeline would encourage IOCs to explore nearby gas blocks, knowing they could evacuate any discovered gas. By contrast, an LNG plant would require proven reserves of 3-4 TCF and substantial risk-sharing by investors across resource, construction, and marketing fronts. While additional reserves may exist in the region, this must first be verified through professional assessment.

the previous government’s interest in LNG was partly influenced by a US company, Excelerate, which proposed supplying RLNG from a floating LNG facility 70 km off Kuakata. In reality, this project would pose even greater challenges than building a pipeline from Bhola. Bangladesh’s experience with LNG since 2018 has already been bitter. If pipeline gas is available, Bangladesh should limit its dependence on LNG. Recommendation The government should immediately move to develop Bhola’s gas prospects through a professional reserve assessment. It should also revisit the earlier pipeline route from Shabazpur to Digholia and secure the ROW.

if an international tender for constructing a 24-inch cross-country pipeline on an EPC basis is floated by June 2026, Bhola gas could begin supplying the Barishal and Khulna regions by 2030.

at the same time, BAPEX and IOCs should be allowed to conduct extensive exploration in Barishal and Khulna to identify additional resources. Policymakers must rely on experienced professionals, not opportunists or fortune-seekers.

enough time has already been wasted. Bangladesh cannot afford to let Bhola gas remain stranded while the national grid struggles for supply. For perspective, Gazprom built thousands of kilometers of the Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany, including large sections under the seabed.

a pipeline from Bhola to the national grid, while technically demanding, is feasible with lay barges and swamp buggies-technologies local contractors have not yet used but are readily available internationally.

the sooner the government makes a decision, the better. People in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions must not be deprived of the benefits of Bhola’s pipeline gas any longer.

A prolonged shortage of fuel has hit filling stations across five northern districts, with depots in Rangpur running nearly empty due to disrupted rail supplies from Chattogram. Officials at the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna depots said the crisis has dragged on for about five months, severely straining the supply chain. Against a monthly demand of roughly 2.5 crore liters for the region, only about 30 lakh liters were delivered in August. Fuel from the Rangpur depots normally serves Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) sources and depot officials blamed the railway’s shortage of locomotives for the persistent disruption.

Athough global warming is a factor behind the continuous rise in temperature in Bangladesh, the domestic causes are far greater. For more than four decades, unplanned urbanization has continued in Dhaka and across the country. Wetlands and reservoirs have been filled in, trees cut down, and buildings constructed without any consideration for the environment or ecosystem.

as a result, air pollution in Bangladesh has broken all previous records, contributing to rising temperatures. While there are policies to address this, their implementation has been deeply disappointing.

these were the remarks of Professor and researcher Dr.

abdus Salam of the Department of Chemistry, and Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, in a conversation with Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain. The World Bank recently released a study, saying that Bangladesh annually loses Tk 21,000 per capita due to rising temperatures. What is your view of this study? Look, the bigger issue is not the exact financial loss, but rather that the World Bank has presented data on temperature rise and its impacts.

that is commendable.

the more such studies and research are conducted, the more they will help create awareness and drive action.

the World Bank is Bangladesh’s biggest partner in efforts to reduce temperature rise and curb air pollution. For example, three projects-AQMP, TASE, and BEST-have been implemented for this purpose.

this study should have highlighted how successful those projects were in achieving their goals.

at the same time, it should have included policy-level and implementation-level recommendations on what actions are needed. Data shows that since 1980, temperatures in Bangladesh have risen alarmingly. The situation in Dhaka is even worse. Does this mean Bangladesh has not taken any initiatives during this long period to prevent it? In practice, no effective initiatives were taken for a long time to curb rising temperatures. In fact, Bangladesh has gone in the opposite direction.

activities such as blocking water bodies, cutting down greenery, and pursuing unplanned urbanization have continued.

as a result, during this period, temperatures have increased by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.

in Dhaka, the effects of rising temperatures are much greater in areas like Motijheel and Tejgaon compared to Ramna or the Cantonment. Sustainable urbanization was never implemented in the capital according to proper regulations. Dhaka’s reservoirs have gradually disappeared, canals have vanished, and low-lying wetlands around the city have been filled to build housing.

as a result, the very features that could have helped reduce temperatures have been systematically destroyed-and this continues.

although policies for sustainable urbanization have been framed at different times in isolation, weak implementation has meant they have achieved no results. Despite repeated research highlighting these issues, policymakers have not paid attention.

as a result, the destruction of the environment and ecosystem continues across Dhaka and the country.

to what extent do you think global warming is responsible for Bangladesh’s rising temperatures, compared to internal causes? Both play a role. Let me start with global warming. Bangladesh has virtually no contribution to global warming, yet it is suffering its consequences to the fullest.

this is causing massive financial losses across sectors such as agriculture, health, and labor productivity. However, Bangladesh’s current situation owes more to internal mismanagement than to global causes.

air pollution here is far worse than in many other countries. Carbon dioxide and black carbon are major contributors to rising temperatures, and methane also plays a role.

in Bangladesh, black carbon is generated from the use of low-quality fuels and waste burning.

this could be reduced by using higher-quality fuels.

it should be noted that government action to phase out two-stroke engines significantly reduced black carbon pollution, especially in Dhaka. Currently, the concentration of black carbon in the air is 40-50 micrograms per cubic meter. Beijing in China once faced similarly severe black carbon pollution, but through coordinatedaction, they were able to reduce it to just 2-12 micrograms per cubic meter. Various studies have said that Bangladesh’s unplanned urbanization, especially the destruction of wetlands and greenery, has led to today’s situation. What is your view? Unplanned urbanization is continuing across the country.

in Dhaka and other cities, filling up wetlands to construct buildings, cutting down trees, and encroaching on surrounding water bodies have become a daily phenomenon. This trend, which has existed in the past, is still ongoing.

although laws exist against it, there is no initiative to enforce them.

especially to save the capital, it must be made mandatory to comply with all regulations before constructing new buildings.

theprecondition for establishing residential areas is that they must include lakes and water bodies, as well as open spaces and playgrounds.

if that can be ensured, it will be possible to control the trend of rising temperatures.

urban planners argue that Dhaka lacks building codes that allow for natural cooling.

as a result, buildings have become ‘heat boxes.’ The widespread use of air conditioners to cool them is contributing to the temperature rise. What do you say? The buildings being constructed today, in Dhaka and across the country, are not environmentally friendly.

their designs do not ensure natural airflow. Like in other countries, glass is being used extensively in building facades, but this is not environmentally appropriate at all.

as a result, these buildings have turned into ‘greenhouses’-essentially heat boxes.

to cool them down, artificial cooling systems are used. While they make the inside cooler, they release heat into the outside air, thereby contributing to the rising temperatures in Dhaka and other cities.

if you go back 40 years, the use of air conditioning in the country was very rare. But now, most commercial and residential buildings use air conditioning extensively. And people have little choice, since buildings are not designed to allow natural ventilation. This, in turn, contributes to rising temperatures. To generate the extra electricity required for this cooling, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing as well.

if strong measures are not taken to curb this trend in future construction, the situation will only get worse.

in several studies, you have shown that the failure to take consistent and appropriate steps to control air pollution has played a major role in the temperature rise. Can you explain this? Look, those of us engaged in research conduct surveys to reveal the real situation. Our studies show why this is happening and recommend ways out. But the responsibility to implement those recommendations lies with the state.

in other words, politicians who are in government must take this responsibility.

they need to formulate necessary policies and, more importantly, ensure their implementation.

the problem is not that the country lacks good policies.

there are good policies, and projects are taken under them. But implementation is very disappointing. Despite huge spending, there has been no success in reducing air pollution or temperature rise.

as I’ve said before, if Bangladesh were to use fuel to international standards, black carbon pollution could be reduced effectively. But whenever this issue comes up, we hear that the Eastern Refinery cannot supply such fuel.

then why is ERL not being made capable of doing so? We must remember: there is no alternative to reducing air pollution and curbing rising temperatures to protect people. So we need to adopt policies following the good examples set by the world. But policies alone are not enough-their implementation must also be ensured.

that is Bangladesh’s greatest challenge.

everyone knows that if no action is taken now, cities will soon become unlivable. What initiatives should the state take? With the national elections coming up, what kind of commitments should political parties make in their manifestos regarding protection from rising temperatures? You are right. Civil society must play its role by building public opinion and creating pressure.

each citizen must also commit to refraining from activities that increase pollution. But the main responsibility lies with politicians, those who will govern and work for public welfare.

that is why, ahead of the upcoming February elections, political parties must make clear declarations in their manifestos about reducing air pollution and preventing rising temperatures to ensure sustainable urbanization. But this should not be just words-they must also outline concrete action plans for how they intend to implement these promises.

that way, once they come to power, they can immediately begin work on

The government on 23 September approved a proposal in principle for procuring some 50,000 tonnes of gasoline to meet the growing demand for energy.

the approvals came from the 38th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. Following a proposal from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the meeting approved a proposal in principle for importing 50,000 tonnes of Gasoline 95 Unleaded (Octane) during July to December 2025 from PT Bumi Siak Pusako Zapin (BSP), Indonesia at a cost of Tk413.44 crore.

Top Japanese power generation company JERA said recently it had signed an initial agreement aimed at buying liquified natural gas from a huge pipeline project in Alaska, after Tokyo agreed to increase US purchases as part of a trade deal.

the firm said it had signed a letter of intent with its US project developer Glenfarne ‘to advance discussions about liquefied natural gas offtake from the Alaska LNG Project’. Glenfarne, which is driving the pipeline, said in a statement that the letter detailed the ‘the sale of one million tonnes per annum of liquified natural gas from the Alaska LNG Project over a 20-year term’. US President Donald Trump has touted the 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) pipeline that will produce LNG to be shipped to Asia on tankers. However, the long-stalled $44-billion project – which must overcome various complex technical obstacles – is not expected to be operational before 2030 at the earliest.

a joint statement between the two countries said Tokyo was committed to ‘stable and longterm incremental purchases of US energy’ including ‘exploring a new Alaskan offtake agreement’ for LNG.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who played a key role in transforming the Paris 2024 Olympics into one of the largest social business events in history, has emphasized the importance of making all future Olympics, including the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, carbon neutral. He made the remarks when Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo called on him at his hotel in New York recently. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of pressing issues, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Yunus also extended an invitation to Mayor Hidalgo to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP) recently recommended approval of a proposal for repair works at the Bibiyana South 400 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant under the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting held at the Secretariat. According to the Power Division’s proposal, the repair works will cost Tk901.85 crore.

the contract will be implemented by the consortium of Siemens Energy Global GmbH and Co KG, Germany, and Siemens Energy Bangladesh Limited.

the Power Division is the sponsoring ministry, while BPDB will execute the project. The Bibiyana South 400 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant is a gas-fired power project in Sylhet, Bangladesh, that commenced commercial operation in 2023.

it is also referred to as the BibiyanaIII project and was developed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

the project is designed to operate as a combined-cycle power plant using natural gas as its fuel source.

A fire has broken out at the main power grid station in Satkhira Sadar Upazila recently, plunging the entire district into a three-hour blackout.

the incident occurred when a transformer at the 132/33 kV power grid station in Binapota area exploded, according to Russell Islam, the official in charge of the Satkhira grid line. The Fire Service said the flames suddenly erupted following the explosion of a transformer. Two firefighting units rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after about an hour. No casualties were reported. Nurul Islam, a warehouse inspector with the Satkhira Fire Service, said preliminary assessments suggested the fire may have been triggered by overheating of the transformer or an electrical short circuit.

The government is planning to award around a dozen solar-based power-plant projects as it has received lower tariff rates in tenders compared to all such previous facilities. ‘We got better tariff rates in the tenders and are expecting to award those as soon as possible,’ Adviser for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Fouzul Kabir Khan said recently. He said the tenders to implement solar power plants across the country were floated to cut prices from the previous ones. ‘These plants will help ease the growing dependency on fossil fuels to generate electricity,’ said Mr Khan, adding, ‘They would also help diversify the country’s energy sources.’ ‘Solar-based projects are now our priority,’ he added.

after taking office, the interim government held up around three dozen solar projects which were initiated during the previous Awami League regime and awaited the final nod from the authorities.