Dhaka: In line with the government's energy security roadmap, a series of short, medium, and long-term measures have been undertaken aimed at making the country self-sufficient in energy. Talking to BSS, Petrobangla Chairman Abdul Mannan said the government has undertaken a series of measures to address the energy crisis and increase gas supplies to industries on a priority basis, alongside ensuring adequate supplies for electricity generation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has set ambitious targets to generate a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources-20 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040-while aiming to increase gas supplies to 5,000 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) by 2030. A notable aspect of this plan includes the drilling of 150 wells, with 31 already completed or undergoing workover, securing an estimated 286 mmcfd of gas.
Petrobangla's spokesperson highlighted that ongoing drilling operations at eight wells could secure an additional 101 mmcfd of gas once completed. The roadmap also outlines the installation of three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals by 2030 to increase gas supplies from the current 2,300 to 2,600 mmcfd.
The government is also focusing on increasing petroleum reserves to meet 90 days of demand, up from the current 32 days. Subsidised LPG provision to low-income families, a $1 billion loan agreement with the Islamic Development Bank for the construction of Eastern Refinery-2, and plans to source 4,000MW of electricity from oil-fired power plants are part of the immediate measures to address power shortages.
In terms of coal, the government plans to boost domestic extraction from Phulbari and expand Barapukuria to meet 75 percent of thermal power plant demand, freeing up natural gas for industrial use. The prime minister has prioritized coal-based generation to facilitate gas diversion to industries, with plans to establish at least three coal-fired power plants over the next three years.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) is working to diversify the country's energy mix, placing significant emphasis on solar energy. By 2030, the government aims to generate 10,000MW of electricity from renewable sources. The BPDB has initiated solar power projects with its own financing and is encouraging private investment in solar energy through attractive pricing mechanisms.
BPDB Chairman Engineer Rezaul Karim emphasized the focus on grid-connected solar power panels at affordable prices, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening the foundation of energy security through renewable sources.