Technology Gap Impedes Improving Energy Efficiency

There's no denying it: Bangladesh trails far behind in adopting and utilizing modern technologies across its power and energy sectors.

- Saleque Sufi

Despite global advancements in energy planning, project execution, and supply chain operations, the country is at least a decade behind, whether compared to developed, developing, or even underdeveloped nations.

In the power sector, some modern fuel-efficient plants have enhanced electricity generation. Yet, major gaps remain in transmission grid upgrades and smart distribution networks, which are essential for efficient operation. The energy sector fares even worse. Although Bangladesh possesses high-quality discovered coal and vast unexplored gas basins, it continues to struggle due to indecision, a lack of strategy, and a failure to adopt advanced technology.

This write-up focuses on the energy sector and the untapped potential of modern technology.

Coal Resource Exploitation

While many countries are exploiting coal using clean and efficient technologies, Bangladesh remains indecisive about using its substantial reserves. Despite coal being labeled a major source of carbon emissions globally, Bangladesh—with a negligible carbon footprint—has no binding commitment to emission reductions. Ironically, it has already commissioned large-scale imported coal-based power plants that meet emission standards using advanced technologies.

Yet, the country's discovered coal deposits—located in a small region of Dinajpur and Rangpur—remain untouched. These deposits lie beneath fertile topsoil and water-bearing layers, and have been scientifically assessed by certified mining experts. Modern mining technologies can now extract coal economically and safely. But successive governments have kept the matter in “suspended animation.”