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Tackling the power crisis

Muhammad Zamir
THE newly elected government continues to face a stern test in the manner in which it attempts to overcome the power deficit that is affecting not only the daily lives of the citizens but also economic development, trade, and prospects of food security.
In a recent meeting, the Ministry of Power and Energy has mentioned that power generation has declined this year because of gas shortage. It has been pointed out that the country generates an average of 3,300 plus MW. Of this, the capital is being provided with on an average about 1,185 MW against a current demand of about 2,200 MW. It has also been suggested that after May 15 (when the irrigation requirements will ease) there will be an addition of about 150 MW through better co-ordination between DPDC, DESCO and the REB.
The present government has reiterated more than once that they intend to overcome this power shortage. Unfortunately,
there have been some disappointing developments. The foremost among them is the anxiety over the depleting proven gas reserves. Two international companies involved with prospecting for gas and hydro-carbon have now informed the government that they are no longer interested in continuing their exploration rights due to lack of commercial viability.
Despite this downturn, the prime minister has been courageous. She has stated in parliament that her government will add about 2,135 MW to the national grid by 2014. This prospect envisions the production of power by independent power plants in, enhancement of production through overhauling existing power plants, and construction of newpower plants.
We have to take all necessary steps to meet our growing power supply demand. There could be regional co-operation with Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, as mentioned by the prime minister. This is, however, a complex area and will require negotiation and large capital investment. It
will also necessitate political give and take. Nothing in life is free. We have to be prepared for such adjustments.
It would, of course, be best if we discover more gas reserves. For this, we need to at the earliest complete the demarcation of our maritime boundary, and, in agreement with our neighbours, try to set up joint exploration and production sharing contracts.
We have to agree on a workable coal policy that will carefully choose the mining process, will be attractive to the prospective investors, be congenial to the environment, and compensatory for those who might be directly affected at the mining site. There has to be consensus between the various stakeholders.
After this comes other options related to renewable energy.
Generating hydro -power by utilising river currents and building low-height dams could be most useful as a format for generating power in different parts of the rural hinterland and also in meeting additional consumption in towns located near rivers.
Nuclear power can also help meet our long-term needs. It will be expensive but will pay for itself in the long term. We need to, however, by very careful about pursuing this method. It will take a lead-time of at least seven to eight years. There is also the question of having sufficient skilled manpower for maintenance and having an agreed safe method for storing and disposing of spent fissile fuel.
Tite last option is solar power and energy
derived from bio-gas. Solar panels are now being set up by Grameen Shakti throughout the country’. The solar wafers originate mostly’ from China and Japan. It might be useful for the government to seriously examine whether we can start manufacturing the solar wafers and other photo-voltaic parts here in Bangladesh. We could be the hub for this purpose within our region. It will require capital and requisite technological know-how, but that could be obtained from multi-lateral institutions and replicated domestically.
Similarly, there could be widespread, sustainable use of bio-gas. It is already in use in some parts of Bangladesh for cooking and for some basic cottage industries. Efforts in this regard could be intensified and strengthened.
The country faces an awesome task ahead. We will require determination and resolve. 1 believe we can overcome our difficulties, given an open-minded, flexible, transparent, and accountable approach.
Sustainable energy availability is the vital component that will generate employment opportunities, assured food security, ensure trade diversification, and also provide better health, communication, and education facilities.
We have a problem, but we also have answers.
Muhammad Zamir, a former Secretary and Ambassador, is Chairman, Bangladesh Renewable Energy Sodety. Email. mzamir@dhaka.nel.