CATEGORIES

Moscow Decries 'Fake News' about RNPP

Russian Embassy in Dhaka recently alleged that the media reports about the embezzlement at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) are deliberate attempt to \"discredit\" this ambitious project and to \"undermine\" steady and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Dhaka.

Cold Run of Diesel Generator Unit Completed at Unit 1 of RNPP

The Cold Run of one of three diesel generator units has been completed at unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Interim Govt Contemplating New Bond Issuance to Clear BPDB's Dues

The interim government is considering the issuance of additional bonds to address the Bangladesh Power Development Board’s (BPDB) mounting unpaid dues to private power producers.

From Isolation To Empowerment: Solar Power Solutions For A Sustainable Wetland Future

The wetland areas of Bangladesh like Sunamganj, Sylhet, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, and Netrakona form a unique ecosystem that is not only rich in biodiversity but also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Smart Solar System Market Projected To Reach $35.8b By 2032

The Smart Solar System Market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $13 billion to over $35.8 billion by 2032; as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.

Summit Power Seeks Protection For Its Investment, Facilities In Bangladesh

Summit Power International (SPI), Singapore has sought government support and protection for its investment in Bangladesh to uphold the country’s reputation as an attractive destination for international capital.

WRIP: A Lost Opportunity

UNOCOL, a leading US-based International Oil Company, proposed an integrated Energy Project, Western Region Integrated Project (WRIP), in 1996 to further explore and develop the gas resources of Bhola Island by constructing a 120KM 20-inch outer diameter cross-country gas transmission pipeline from Shabajpur, Bhola to Digholia, Khulna along with three gas-based power plants – 60 MW at Bhola, 100 MW at Barishal and 200 MW at Khulna.

Bringing Bhola Gas Into National Grid

The post-COVID-19 period has seen a growing natural gas supply deficit in Bangladesh, with a 1,000 MMCFD shortfall. Despite repeated government promises, local production remains inadequate, and demand continues to rise, leading to gas rationing. LNG supply expansion by 2027 is uncertain, and domestic fields are unlikely to meet demand unless aggressive exploration campaigns are conducted. The Bhola Island holds potential reserves of 2.047 Tcf but remains underutilized due to a lack of national grid connection.

Debt Liabilities Major Challenge Of Energy Sector

Bangladesh’s energy and power sector is on the verge of collapse due to mismanagement, poor governance, and misappropriation of money. Huge debt liabilities have created overburden.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW-LOOK POWER AND ENERGY POLICY

For years energy experts had urged the now-ousted government of Sheikh Hasina to fix some grave wrongs committed in the power and energy sector. They were particularly critical of a black law passed in 2010 for quick power and energy generation bypassing any tenders.

Experts Meet as Final Global Plastic Treaty Talks Near

With months until crunch talks on the world's first binding treaty on plastic pollution, experts are meeting in Bangkok to discuss financing options and problematic plastics.

Environmental Activists Block Cruise Ship Arriving in Amsterdam

Environmental activists tied themselves to a lock recently at the Port of Amsterdam to prevent the arrival of a cruise ship, according to the port and the climate group.

ADB to Help Bangladesh in Low-Cost River Cleaning Projects: Rizwana

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, recently said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist Bangladesh in implementing low-cost river-cleaning projects in important rivers, particularly Buriganga, Turag, and Balu.

Combining Climate Measures Key to Slashing Emissions: Study

Amajor new study published recently on the effectiveness of climate measures such as taxes or subsidies in reducing greenhouse gases has found standalone measures fail to make a big difference.

Environment Adviser Urges Doubling of $100b for Climate Financing

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has called for doubling the US$100 billion in climate financing to address the growing needs for environmental conservation.

Australia Approves US$13.5b Project to Export Solar Power to Singapore

Australia said on Aug 21 it had given the go-ahead for a A$20 billion (US$13.5 billion) solar project that plans to ship energy from a giant solar farm in the country's north to Singapore through a 4,300km undersea cable.

ABB Delivers Automation Solutions for 10GW of Renewables in India

ABB has delivered an automation solution for 10 GW of renewable energy plants in India. Starting with a 100-MW project about seven years ago, the company has reached the 10 GW milestone with more than 300 renewable energy projects across the country using its Internet of Things (IoT)-based PLC solution.

Summit Reviewing Cross-Border Power Deals after India Rule Change

Bangladesh's Summit Group plans to renegotiate preliminary deals to import renewable power from India after a recent rule change by New Delhi allowed generators that exclusively export their electricity to sell locally, the utility's chairman said.

Chief Adviser Urges China to Relocate Solar Panel Plants to Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus recently called upon China to relocate some of its solar panel factories to Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country's green transition and exports.

Power Outage Hits Rural Areas

The country, especially the rural areas, has been experiencing frequent power cuts recently due to insufficient electricity production from coal-based power plants, alongside the prolonged delay in increasing LNG regasification facilities.

BB Increases Foreign Currency Support for Energy Imports

Bangladesh Bank has increased its supply of foreign currency to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to continue its import of petroleum fuels and gas from abroad and also from locally operating foreign companies.

Rooppur NPP Unit 2 Receives Delivery of Major Equipment

Transport Lock’’ a part of the nuclear fuel handling system for unit-2 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has been delivered to the construction site.

Nuclear Fusion Startups Usher in Next Era of Sustainable Energy Innovation: GlobalData

Nuclear fusion technology is rapidly advancing, bringing us closer to a sustainable, limitless energy source.

Challenges Of Energy Sector Reforms

The energy sector is now in total disarray. An evil syndicate of senior government policymakers and corrupt business groups through irregularities and corruption has created a complete mess.

CCDB Climate Center: Towards Resilience For A Climate-Sensitive Future

In the heart of Bangladesh's vigorous landscape, the CCDB Climate Center stands as an inspiration of innovation and hope, leading the charge in the fight against climate change. Established by the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), this innovative facility is the first in the nation, dedicated to fostering climate resilience and promoting sustainable and low-carbon development.

Reforming The Crippled Gas Sector

Undoubtedly, the energy situation in Bangladesh is in a crucial stage. The existing gas reserves are depleting rapidly while the demand is rising due to the country’s population, and economic and industrial growth. As per the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023, the gas supply should grow at 1.5%, 2.6%, and 2.5% rates during 2019-30, 2030-40, and 204050 respectively to attain the county’s growth as per the Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021– 2041. However, Figure 1 shows that the annual average gas production from the domestic gas fields started to decline after reaching its peak in 2017.

Restructuring and Overhauling Gas Supply Chain Management

Ensuring a sustainable supply of primary fuel (gas, coal, and fuel oil) is a major challenge for Bangladesh’s energy and power sector. Since 2000, successive governments have failed to make a political decision to exploit discovered coal resources buried at mineable depths. The governments have also failed to carry out the required exploration of petroleum resources in onshore frontier areas.

Refreshing Energy Transition Strategy

Despite existing plans like the Energy and Power Master Plan 2023 IEPMP), renewable energy policy drafts, and the Mujib Climate Perspective Plan, questions arise about Bangladesh's need for a new energy transition roadmap. Experts express differing views: some suggest revising the IEPMP with real data, while others emphasize the urgency of a roadmap considering legal and investment issues. Another perspective suggests an energy strategy from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, aligning with national efforts for low-carbon development and netzero emissions.

Four Die from Electrocution Amid Waterlogging in Dhaka

Four people died due to electrocution amid heavy rains in different areas of Dhaka recently.

LPG Sales Witnessing Boom During Unrest

Sales of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) witnessed a boom against the backdrop of the prolonged unrest affecting the country, taking advantage of the fact that prepaid and smart prepaid gas consumers are facing obstacles to recharging their balances.