Category: Energy and Power

Countries recently elected Chile’s COP climate summit chief negotiator to drive forward stalled talks on striking a landmark global treaty tackling the scourge of plastic pollution. Career diplomat Julio Cordano was elected by countries meeting in Geneva following a drawn-out battle. ‘Plastic pollution is a planetary problem that affects everyone: every country, every community and every individual,’ he said after being elected. ‘A treaty is urgently needed.’ More than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is for single-use items.

The plastic pollution problem is so ubiquitous that microplastics have been found on the highest mountain peaks and in the oceans’ deepest trench.

Supposedly fi nal talks in South Korea in 2024 towards a treaty to address the problem ended without a deal — and a resumed effort in Geneva last August likewise collapsed.

The government has reshuffl ed the leadership of two key stateowned energy c o r p o ra t i o n s , appointing Md Erfanul Haque as chairman of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) and Md Rezanur Rahman as chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

The appointments were confi rmed in a notifi cation signed recently by Joint Secretary Abul Hayat Md Rafi que of the public administration ministry’s deputation-1 wing.

The order said the postings would take immediate effect in the public interest.

The reshuffl e follows a series of rapid changes at BPC. On Jan 29, then chairman Md Amin Ul Ahsan was made an offi cer on special duty (OSD).

Three days later, on Feb 1, Additional Secretary Md Rafi qul Alam was given charge of the post as an additional responsibility. Within 24 hours, however, a fresh order appointed Rezanur Rahman as BPC chairman.

The Asia-Pacifi c (APAC) smart meter market is experiencing massive growth, driven by grid modernization, with the region accounting for nearly 60% of the global installed base by late 2023. Major growth factors include reducing energy theft, enhancing effi ciency, and supporting smart grid infrastructure, with smart electric meters dominating the segment.

According to recent data from Astute Analytica, the Asia Pacifi c smart meters market is projected to offer a revenue opportunity of US$ 42,104.8 Mn during the forecast period 2023-2031 and is estimated to reach US$ 53,596.9 Mn by 2031 at a CAGR of 20.1%. Governments across the Asia Pacifi c region are placing strong emphasis on promoting renewable energy sources and enhancing the effi ciency of energy distribution to households.

Rosatom will cooperate with Kyrgyzstan on the introduction of additive manufacturing technologies in the republic’s renewable energy sector.

This cooperation involves the production of equipment for new and existing hydropower facilities using 3D printing technologies.

It will be implemented in various formats, from joint preparation of pre-design and design documentation to delivery of equipment and its components to the relevant customers. Under the cooperation, a hydropower project offi ce has been opened at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) campus.

At the fi rst stage, the offi ce, organized with the participation of Rosatom, will focus on the development of feasibility studies and project documentation for small and medium-sized hydropower plants.

The offi ce will serve as a training unit, as well as an intellectual hub and an international-level model platform.

The third Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Petroleum Transmission Company Limited (PTCL) was held at the company’s liaison offi ce in Dhaka recently.

The meeting was presided over by ATM Fazlul Karim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, says a press release. Key attendees included Md.

Amin Ul Ahsan, Secretary and Chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Md. Ferdous Alam, Joint Secretary, Finance Division (Member of the PTCL Board), and Nazneen Parveen, Joint Secretary and Director (Finance), BPC.

The failure of the interim government over the past 18 months has deepened Bangladesh’s power and energy crisis.

The new administration, which is set to take offi ce shortly, must immediately confront mounting challenges in managing electricity demand amid severe fuel supply constraints and limited fi nancial resources.

The irrigation season has begun alongside Ramadan, and temperatures are already rising.

Electricity demand is increasing steadily and is expected to surge from March through October.

Summer 2026 may not be as mild as last year, with forecasts predicting several heatwaves. Peak demand could reach 18,000 megawatts (MW).

Although installed generation capacity appears suffi cient on paper, the real constraint lies in fuel shortages and foreign currency limitations for importing coal, LNG, and liquid fuels.

At present, the system cannot sustainably generate even 16,500 MW of quality power. Combined domestic gas production and imported LNG supply stand at around 2,700 MMCFD, against demand of nearly 4,000 MMCFD.

Signifi cant improvement in the short term is unlikely.

The incoming government faces an urgent and complex task in stabilizing the sector. Past 18 Months in Retrospect After assuming offi ce, the interim government repealed the nontransparent Speedy Supply of Power and Energy Act and restored the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission’s (BERC) authority to determine fuel and electricity prices.

Beyond that, however, meaningful reform was limited.

The sector remains dominated by an underperforming bureaucracy, while entrenched interests continue to infl uence policy and operations.

The recent nationwide LPG crisis is a stark example of systemic weaknesses.

Although the government initially eased pressure by clearing large outstanding payments to fuel and power suppliers, arrears have again ballooned. Fuel supply conditions deteriorated further. Domestic gas production declined, no progress was made in utilizing local coal, and engagement with international oil companies for onshore and offshore exploration stalled. Development of the third Floating Storage and Regasifi cation Unit (FSRU) and a land-based LNG terminal has seen frustrating delays.

Sweeping management changes at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant slowed project completion, while the cancellation of Summit Group’s third FSRU contract eliminated the possibility of adding 500 MMCFD of regasifi ed LNG by 2027. No decision has been taken on transmitting discovered gas from Bhola Island to the national grid.

Though the interim government spoke frequently about energy transition and renewable expansion, tangible progress was minimal.

A white paper alleged widespread corruption-claiming up to 30% cost infl ation in power and energy projects-yet no concrete cases have been prosecuted.

The National Review Committee reported that nearly 9,500 MW of stranded capacity costs about $1.5 billion annually, largely due to one-sided contracts signed under the 2010 special act.

It recommended renegotiating such agreements, including the Adani Power deal.

The report argued that the sector’s distress stems more from structurally fl awed contracts than global fuel price volatility.

The outgoing administration acknowledged the fi ndings but cited time constraints for inaction, leaving the responsibility to the next government. Challenges for the New Government The incoming government-led by the BNP after securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority-has prior experience managing the sector.

However, it will have no honeymoon period.

By mid-April, demand could rise from 16,000 MW to 18,000 MW, with an expected defi cit of 1,500-2,000 MW during peak months. Petrobangla must ensure at least 1,200 MMCFD of gas supply to enable 8,500- 9,000 MW of gas-based generation.

Effi cient plants at Meghnaghat and Sirajganj should operate in priority merit order, while facilities at Ashuganj, Ghorashal, and Bibiyana remain available for grid stability.

Imported coal plants must run at full capacity, particularly in the southern and southeastern regions, securing 14,000- 15,000 MW of baseload supply. Liquid fuel-based plants, capable of generating about 3,000 MW, should remain ready for peak support. Power imports may contribute 2,000-2,500 MW.

The commissioning of Rooppur’s fi rst 1,200 MW unit would provide signifi cant relief, though operational realities may complicate grid management. Load shedding and demand-side austerity measures may still be necessary. Meanwhile, outstanding payments in the power sector have climbed again to around BDT 30,000 crore.

These arrears must be cleared promptly to ensure independent power producers, especially furnace oil-based plants, remain operational during peak demand. Policy Priorities Energy security must become a top political priority.

A full-time energy and power minister should oversee the sector, supported by separate state ministers for power and energy. Key actions should include: * Commissioning Rooppur’s fi rst unit by mid-2026 and the second by early 2027. * Expanding rooftop solar to at least 2,000 MW by end-2026. * Accelerating BAPEX’s drilling program, completing 50 wells by 2026 and 100 by 2028. * Reviewing and potentially reinstating the third FSRU project. * Conducting extensive 2D and 3D seismic surveys and launching new exploration bids by mid-2026. * Approving updated productionsharing contracts (PSCs) for offshore and onshore exploration. * Deciding on construction of the Bhola-Barishal-Khulna gas transmission pipeline.

Bangladesh must fi nalize and adapt its Integrated Gas and Power System Master Plan to refl ect domestic realities. While advancing clean energy, the country should pragmatically utilize its own gas and coal resources with modern technologies. Currently, 56% of Bangladesh’s combined power and energy supply depends on imports, costing about $20 billion last year-including debt servicing.

This year’s requirement may rise to $24 billion.

Reducing import dependence through domestic resource development is therefore essential. Conclusion The new government is expected to assume offi ce within days, with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman likely to become prime minister.

The administration has reportedly prepared sectoral reform plans, including for power and energy.

Its foremost challenge will be overcoming the primary energy defi cit by boosting domestic exploration and optimizing resource use while scaling up renewables.

At the same time, subsidies must be reduced through cost rationalization and improved coordination. Ultimately, sustainable energy security-reliable, affordable, and highquality supply-must guide policy. Without decisive action, economic growth and employment generation will remain at risk.

Chevron’s latest quarterly results highlight another Nigerian success, rising Gulf of Mexico output, and a signifi cant expansion in global offshore acreage from Brazil to Suriname. Chevron’s latest quarterly report details a new Nigerian discovery, strong deepwater performance in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), new exploration blocks added across multiple basins worldwide, and greenlit projects offshore Australia. Chevron has confi rmed a discovery in the Awodi prospect offshore Nigeria.

Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Co. (NNPC) congratulated the company on the outcome of its operated Awodi-07 appraisal/exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta. Drilling started in late November and concluded in mid-December, with results confi rming potentially signifi cant hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, NNPC said.

This fresh discovery represents the third consecutive fi nd for Chevron in Nigeria since late 2024.

Bangladesh’s power sector has been mired in cronyism and kleptocracy, with onesided deals signed under the 2010 special act draining nearly $1.5 billion annually, according to the National Review Committee formed by the interim government to investigate power contracts.

The committee recommended that the government renegotiate all one-sided agreements.

It specifi cally urged initiating the cancellation process of the Adani Power deal, describing it as one of the most one-sided contracts signed during the previous regime.

The committee also said agreements approved during the Sheikh Hasina rule were designed to consolidate state power through manipulated procurement processes and fl awed planning, resulting in massive fi nancial losses for Bangladesh.

The government recently approved a proposal for procuring fi ve LNG cargoes in 2026 on G2G basis from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd to meet the country’s rising energy demand.

The approval came from the 4th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase in this year held recently with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan briefed reporters after the meeting.

The Petrobangla will procure LNG directly from Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd under a government-togovernment arrangement.

The price has been fi xed at JKM plus US$ 0.145 per MMBTU.

BNP’s stunning victory in the landmark general election on February 12 is being seen as a triumph of pro-liberation, pro-women’s rights, and moderate values. Led by the party’s 60-yearold chairman, Tarique Rahman, who returned home ending 17 years of selfimposed exile less than two months before the consequential vote, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party overcame an unexpected surge from the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, a party emboldened by its alliance with the National Citizen Party of July warriors.

If Jamaat had won, it would have been its fi rst such achievement not only in Bangladesh but also in the entire subcontinent. Despite its failure to grab state power, Jamaat’s performance in the polls has been quite impressive – far better than the Jamaat in Pakistan. From only 18 seats in 1991, this time Jamaat has increased its tally to 68.

It had won only three seats in 1996, when it contested independently.

In Bangladesh, Jamaat has a history of being subjected to ban, losing registration, and its top leaders hanged to death for crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Liberation, during which it collaborated with the occupying Pakistani military in the genocide and rape of women. For most of its political career in Bangladesh, Jamaat was the junior alliance partner of BNP.

But during the February 12 polls, Jamaat for the fi rst time in 17 years formed an alliance under its own leadership and directly fought against the BNP.

Although it did not secure enough seats to form a government, the alliance’s tally of 77 seats raised many eyebrows, with political pundits going deep to fi nd the reasons. Jamaat has always been a party known for its stronghold in the northwest and the southwest.

The Islamist party had never won a seat in the capital.

This time, however, it secured six of the 15 seats in the Dhaka metropolitan area, including Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-12, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-15, and Dhaka-16.

In addition, alliance candidate and NCP convener Nahid Islam secured the Dhaka-11.

Its vote share nationally has also seen a big jump.

Though Jamaat’s Amir Shafi qur Rahman has accepted the results, the party has been demanding a recount of votes in 30 constituencies where candidates from the Jamaatled alliance lost by narrow margins. Jamaat’s emergence as a formidable opposition has largely been possible due to the absence of the Awami League, whose activities have been banned by an executive order of Professor Muhammad Yunus’ interim government.

The entire election process and its outcome would have been different should Awami League been in the fray.

Thanks largely to BNP’s pro-liberation pitch, Jamaat’s upswing suffered a setback.

But it may prove temporary if BNP fails to deliver on the electoral pledges.

A special feature of this election has been the race between BNP and Jamaat to woo the Awami League voters.

Both parties benefi ted, while analysts say BNP profi ted more than its allyturned-rival.

A large number of Awami League workers and supporters defi ed their exiled leader Sheikh Hasina’s call to stay away from the vote.

A majority of them voted for BNP, their arch-rival, just to prevent the Jamaat from taking offi ce in a country whose independence it had opposed.

After the results were out, the pro-independence forces heaved a sigh of relief.

Their logic: Nai mamar cheye kana mama valo (something is better than nothing).

A second factor working against Jamaat has been the party’s misogynist stance. Jamaat Amir’s controversial remarks on reducing women’s out-of-home working hours, his party’s failure to nominate any woman candidate, and calling women unfi t for leading his party angered many women just before the polls.

By rejecting Jamaat in the ballot boxes, women in Bangladesh have ditched the politics of theocracy.

Thus, Jamaat’s loss became BNP’s gain.