Moheshkhali island in Bay identified as energy hub

The government has identified Moheshkhali island in the Bay of Bengal as an energy hub by implementing there a cluster of projects including power plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal to boost the country's overall economy.

It has also a plan to build a deep sea port near Moheshkhali at Sonadia island in the Bay.

"We are eyeing to have a master plan to utilise the potential of Moheshkhali island by building a number of power plant projects, LNG terminal and deep sea port," State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Nasrul Hamid said while visiting the island.

A number of countries and multinational firms have already shown interest to invest in projects to be implemented near Moheshkhali island, he said.

The Power Division under the MPEMR is eyeing to build several coal-fired power plants to generate around 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity at Moheshkhali after dividing it into several blocks, Power Secretary Monowar Islam said talking to the FE at Moheshkhali island.

Initially state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) intends to build 6,000 MW capacity ultra super critical coal-fired power plant at Moheshkhali island, a BPDB official said.

The BPDB has moved to appoint a reputed consultant for consultancy services for power plant projects at Moheshkhali upazila under Cox's Bazar district.

It is also eyeing to build 3,000 MW capacity LNG-based combined cycle power plant at Moheshkhali in different phases.

Some 5,000 acres of land are in the process of acquisition to implement these power plant projects.

The required lands are situated within Amabassaya, Honanok and Panir Chhara mouza of Hoanok Union and Gharibhanga mouza of Kutubjhom union under Moheshkhali upazila.

 The consultant will prepare a master plan for Moheshkhali area and prepare plant lay-out including coal and equipment unloading jetty, coal yard etc, said a BPDB official.

It will also prepare layout for LNG terminal with jetty, storage tanks and vaporisers and township layout for each individual block.

The consultant will prepare cost estimate and detailed feasibility report for the planned power plant projects to be built at Moheshkhali.

It will also prepare balance of plants like coal and ash handling plants, water system, sea water system, coal and equipment unloading jetty, land filling and development, embankment, breakwater and plant infrastructure works.

The consultant will also prepare township layout, specification of all residential or non-residential units including road, water, sewage, electrical systems.

Currently, nearly 100,000 people reside at Moheshkhali and adjacent islands and many of them are labourers and work at nearby salt farms.

Some also work in prawn fields.

A section of people of the island including workers and farm owners are, however, protesting the government move saying it would turn them jobless  and businesses will be lost.

They staged demonstration protesting the planned project works at Moheshkhali during the visit of the State Minister and top Power Division and BPDB officials.

Mr Nasrul Hamid, however, assured people of compensating them if their businesses and jobs are affected.

"We shall make due compensation to those who will be affected," said the State Minister.

He also assured people of developing Moheshkhali, which, he said, will improve life standards of its residents.