Coal-based power generation emphasised to reduce crisis
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
FE Report
Industries Minister Dilip Barua Tuesday laid emphasis on coal based power generation to reduce the present power crisis by finalising coal policy as early as possible.
"Coal based power generation is the most suitable alternative to combat the present power crisis," he said while speaking as chief guest in a pre-budget discussion in the city.
The meeting was organised by Business Reporters Foundation and Development on present industrialisation, gas and power crisis and budgetary measures.
"Unfortunately we couldn't address the power crisis due to lack of long-term, realistic policy on power generation," the Minister said.
He said the government has made much progress in utilising all avenues to address the power crisis.
The minister said the government would take necessary steps to modernise the power transmission and distribution systems in the country. "Increasing generation alone can not work to solve the power crisis, unless smooth transmission and distribution systems are also ensured."
Considering a long-term solution to the power crisis, he said "It is time to go for coal-based power plants as we have very good quality coal."
He said Bangladesh is a unique place for foreign investment. "Now we only need to solve the electricity crisis which is the driving force to encourage foreign direct investment in the country."
Actual demand for gas and power should be identified as authority failed to take pragmatic steps in this sector due to wrong information, Syed Moazzem Hossain, president of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.
He asked the government to find out the real demand for power instead of providing hypothetical data.
He urged the government to take effective steps so that coal policy can be approved within the quickest possible time.
The government can bring all the players to the same table to finalise the coal policy he said suggesting to form 'Sustainable Energy Development Authority' to improve the power and gas crisis.
The government should take up transparent programs to solve the power and gas crisis which is the main impediment to industrialisation, MA Momen, former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.
Speakers stressed on modernisation of power transmission and distribution. The government should provide subsidy for solar energy for quick solution of power crisis, they said.
They also demanded skilled management, increase repair and maintenance allocation and ensure zero system loss for optimum utilisation of power.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua Tuesday laid emphasis on coal based power generation to reduce the present power crisis by finalising coal policy as early as possible.
"Coal based power generation is the most suitable alternative to combat the present power crisis," he said while speaking as chief guest in a pre-budget discussion in the city.
The meeting was organised by Business Reporters Foundation and Development on present industrialisation, gas and power crisis and budgetary measures.
"Unfortunately we couldn't address the power crisis due to lack of long-term, realistic policy on power generation," the Minister said.
He said the government has made much progress in utilising all avenues to address the power crisis.
The minister said the government would take necessary steps to modernise the power transmission and distribution systems in the country. "Increasing generation alone can not work to solve the power crisis, unless smooth transmission and distribution systems are also ensured."
Considering a long-term solution to the power crisis, he said "It is time to go for coal-based power plants as we have very good quality coal."
He said Bangladesh is a unique place for foreign investment. "Now we only need to solve the electricity crisis which is the driving force to encourage foreign direct investment in the country."
Actual demand for gas and power should be identified as authority failed to take pragmatic steps in this sector due to wrong information, Syed Moazzem Hossain, president of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.
He asked the government to find out the real demand for power instead of providing hypothetical data.
He urged the government to take effective steps so that coal policy can be approved within the quickest possible time.
The government can bring all the players to the same table to finalise the coal policy he said suggesting to form 'Sustainable Energy Development Authority' to improve the power and gas crisis.
The government should take up transparent programs to solve the power and gas crisis which is the main impediment to industrialisation, MA Momen, former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.
Speakers stressed on modernisation of power transmission and distribution. The government should provide subsidy for solar energy for quick solution of power crisis, they said.
They also demanded skilled management, increase repair and maintenance allocation and ensure zero system loss for optimum utilisation of power.