Energy & Power Magazine - EP_22_08 (Energy & Power Vol 21 Issue 8 October 1, 2024) 

Energy & Power Magazine - EP_22_08 (Energy & Power Vol 21 Issue 8 October 1, 2024) 

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In this issue
Since the post-COVID-19 period, Bangladesh’s natural gas supply has faced growing challenges, especially in the last two years. Despite repeated government promises to increase local production, the situation remains unchanged. The country now faces a 1,000 MMCFD supply shortfall, and as production declines, the gap is only expected to widen. Gas rationing has already impacted power generation, fertilizer production, and industries, with no immediate solution in sight. Hopes for increasing the LNG imports by 2027 seem dim, and domestic gas fields are not expected to fill the gap in the short term due to depleting reserves. In this challenging situation, the Shahbazpur gas field on Bhola Island offers a glimmer of hope. Recent estimates show the field holds 2.047 Tcf of gas, with 1.432 Tcf considered recoverable. There is even potential for the reserves to grow to 5 Tcf with further exploration. However, the gas remains untapped, mainly because it isn’t connected to the national grid, and local demand is too low to fully utilize the resources.
To truly capitalize on Bhola’s potential, swift policy decisions are needed to build the infrastructure required to bring its gas to the rest of the country. Without action, Bhola’s vast reserves will continue to go unused as they have for nearly three decades.
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.

8 mins
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.

4 mins
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.

2 mins
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.

1 min
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.

2 mins
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.

1 min
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.

1 min
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.

1 min
Indian Staff Yet to Resume Work on Projects Linked to RNPP
Senior officials from Indian companies involved in critical power transmission projects in Bangladesh, which are essential for evacuating electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), have yet to return to their jobs, raising concerns about the progress of these projects.

1 min
Power Dues from Bangladesh: PTC & SEIL Seek to Invoke Bank Guarantees
PTC India and SEIL Energy India have written to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) seeking to invoke their respective bank guarantees in view of non-payment of dues for the power supplied, according to two industry sources aware of the development.

1 min
Bangladesh to Sign Deal to Import Power from Nepal Soon: Adviser
Bangladesh is poised to sign the tripartite agreement with Nepal and India soon to import hydropower from Nepal via Indian transmission lines, according to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Md Fouzul Kabir Khan.

1 min
Russia Ensures Successful Completion of RNPP
Moscow has assured Dhaka of continued cooperation to ensure the successful completion of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project.

1 min
MOL Signs Major Deal in Azerbaijan to Develop Gas Reserves
MOL Group and its Joint Venture (JV) partners signed commercial agreements for the development of gas reserves in Azerbaijan.

1 min
WB VP Assures of Bangladesh's Energy Sector Budgetary Support
The visiting World Bank (WB) Vice President (VP) for South Asia, Martin Raiser, recently assured of power and energy sector's budgetary support of Bangladesh.

1 min
JETnet-BD Launched In Bangladesh
Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnetBD), the largest energy network in the country, has been launched to achieve a sustainable and just energy transition in the country.

1 min
Gastech 2024: Energy Ministers Debate Role of Natural Gas
The role of natural gas in the energy transition was the focus of the first day of Gastech in Houston.

1 min
Power Producers Urges Govt to Ensure Primary Fuel Supply, Clear Dues
The country's private power producers are struggling to import primary fuel due to a significant shortage of working capital, forcing them to operate at only 50-60% capacity resulting in frequent power cuts.

1 min
Cash Purchase of Gas from Chevron on Cards
The interim government plans to gradually pay off Chevron's $225 million outstanding dues while regularly paying for newly supplied gas in cash to ensure that the full amount owed to the company is settled within a period of next one year.

1 min
Bangladesh Now has 229 Green Factories: BGMEA
Bangladesh's garment industry has solidified its reputation as a global leader in sustainability, now boasting 229 certified eco-friendly factories.

1 min
Germany to Give 1.0b Euro for RE Efforts
Germany will provide Bangladesh with 1 billion euro over the next decade to support renewable energy projects, including an initial 15 million euro this year, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said recently.

1 min
Rosatom Launches Its First Foreign Wind Energy Project
Russia’s state energy corporation is set to make a breakthrough in the wind energy sector by constructing a wind power station outside Russia.

1 min
IEA Calls for Stronger Solar, Wind Integration Measures
Strategic government action, enhanced infrastructure, and regulatory action are required to ensure the successful integration of newly deployed solar and wind, according to a new report by the IEA.

1 min
UGS Installs Biogas Upgrading System in Michigan, Wisconsin
Unconventional Gas Solutions (UGS), the specialist in gas upgrading systems, announces the successful commissioning of two innovative biogas upgrading plants in the US states of Michigan and Wisconsin.

1 min
BPDB May Invite Tender for Setting Up 10 Grid-Connected Solar Power Plants
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) is preparing to float tenders for setting up 10 grid-connected solar power plants in the private sector, each with a capacity of 50 MW, totaling 500 MW.

1 min
Huawei, Walton Sign Contract for Lithium Battery Production
Huawei and Walton have signed a contract to produce lithium batteries in Bangladesh for telecom BTS (Base Transceiver Station), according to a statement.

1 min
World's Strongest Battery Paves Way for Light, Energy-Efficient Vehicles
When cars, planes, ships, or computers are built from a material that functions as both a battery and a load-bearing structure, the weight and energy consumption are radically reduced.

1 min
European Electric Car Sales to Rebound in 2025: Study
The market share for electric cars should rebound strongly in 2025 as limits on emissions get stricter and manufacturers propose cheaper models, a study released recently said.

1 min
Radical Change a Must in Global Framework to Address Climate Change: Yunus
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said a radical change is needed in the global framework to address climate impacts focusing on net-zero carbon emissions and eliminating extreme resource inequality.

1 min
AI is 'Accelerating The Climate Crisis,' Expert Warns
If you care about the environment, think twice about using AI.

1 min
Global South Deserves Ambitious, Equitable Climate Finance
Ahead of the informal Ministerial Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) taking place in New York recently, Climate Action Network (CAN) International urged world leaders to adopt a bold, ambitious, and equitable climate finance goal.

1 min
Rizwana for Using Environment-Friendly ACs, Refrigerators to Protect Ozone Layer
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said environment-friendly refrigerators and air conditioners as well as non-CFC inhalers should be used to protect the ozone layer.

1 min
Gas Flaring Hits 381m Tonnes of CO2e
The latest Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report has unveiled a disturbing trend in global gas flaring practices, emphasizing the urgent need for change to mitigate its growing impact on our planet.

1 min
ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi Sign Framework Deal to Advance Hydrogen Project in Texas
ExxonMobil and Mitsubishi will advance discussions about equity participation and an offtake agreement related to ExxonMobil's proposed hydrogen and ammonia project in Texas.

1 min
International Day of Climate Action-2024 Celebrated in Gaibandha
The International Day of Climate Action-2024 was celebrated in the district recently with a call to reducing carbon emission in a bid to make the environment suitable for living.

1 min
Bp, Iberdrola Announce Final Investment Decision for Largest Green Hydrogen Plant in Spain
Bp and Iberdrola have given the green light for construction of a 25 MW green hydrogen project at bp's Castellón refinery which is expected to be operational in second half of 2026.

1 min
'Disappeared Completely': Melting Glaciers Worry Central Asia
Near a wooden hut high up in the Kyrgyz mountains, scientist Gulbara Omorova walked to a pile of grey rocks, reminiscing how the same spot was a glacier just a few years ago.

1 min
Sakhawat Seeks Cooperation from All to Introduce Jute Bags Across Country
Textiles and Jute Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain has sought cooperation from all concerned to introduce jute bags across the country.

1 min
Bhola Gas Resource Development Without Assured Market Not To Be Viable
Greater Bhola is a gas-studded region but, I think, the prospect is not that much or as prolific as the Surma basin. However, it is a region full of natural gas presence. Geophysical prospecting and exploration-well drilling there must continue under long-term planning. Initiative for the development of gas resources may not be justified without developing a market for the consumption of the produced gas. Instead, it will adversely affect the financial viability of BAPEX.

5 mins
Energy & Power Magazine Description:
Publisher: Energy & Power
Category: Business
Language: English
Frequency: Fortnightly
Energy & Power (EP) is the first and only full-fledged fortnightly magazine that deals with the much cried over energy and power sector in Bangladesh. Since its inception in June 16, 2003, EP is working very hard to
a) Develop public consciousness on sustainable and even development of energy sector;
b) Assist the policy makers in assuming pragmatic policies for a balanced development of the energy sector;
c) Continuous supply of information among public; and
d) Develop a group of reporters in this field
Bangladesh is an energy deficit country like other countries in the region and most of the people do not have adequate access to the energy and power. The country is completely dependent on fossil energy source; at the same time, it is one of the most inefficient energy using countries in the world.
It lacks efficiency in planning, management, generation, distribution, load management and even at the end user level consumption.
In spite of the above drawbacks, issues relating to utilization of renewable energy, exploring alternative use of energy, planned use of environment friendly energy are significantly undermined in Bangladesh.
The biggest challenge of Bangladesh is to find a path for balanced growth of its energy sector. Despite its resource constraints, EP dynamically strives to provide theenergy sector with a flow of information and create public awareness; so that policymakers get guidelines and platforms for its sustainable development.
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EP believes that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues and professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. We strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.
The EP editorial policy is to share a dedication to ethical behavior and uphold the zero conflict of interest principles and highest standards of practice.
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