Experts urge investment in renewable energy to meet power demands

Energy sector experts and leaders recommended reducing reliance on gas and fossil fuel-based power generation, advocating for investments in alternative options, particularly renewable energy, to meet the country's growing power demands.
They observed that gas exploration is necessary, along with a gradual suspension of gas for residential use.
They emphasised the need to develop energy consumption patterns based on gas, LNG, coal, and other sources.
The recommendations came at a luncheon meeting on 'Sustainable Energy for Bangladesh', organised by the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at a city hotel on Sunday.
Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was present as the chief guest while Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering and former Dean of BUET Dr Ijaz Hossain was the keynote speaker.
Dr Badrul Imam, Honorary Professor, Department of Geology of Dhaka University & Professor (Adjunct), Department of Petroleum & Mining Engineering (PME), MIST; Dr M Rezwan Khan, former Vice-Chancellor & Professor Emeritus, Dept. of EEE & Director, IAR, UIU; and Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor, Energy & Power Magazine; were the panel discussants. Nowshad Ali, Country Manager, GE Vernova Bangladesh; moderated the event.
Dr Ijaz Hossain highlighted the energy situation in the context of sustainability, noting that while electricity consumption has increased significantly, it is primarily based on costly, import-dependent fossil fuels.
"There was not enough plan on LNG . . . no regard to renewable energy over the year," he said, adding that RE share was down to 1.33 per cent in 2023 from 11 per cent of the power generation in 1990 due to hydro power plant.
He said gas production has peaked at 972 Bcf in 2016-17 but declined to 804 Bcf in 2022-23.
At the current rate of use, gas reserves will be depleted by 2031, if use of other options is not increased, he warned.
Dr Ijaz also advocated for the gradual suspension of gas use in residential areas and urged the government to implement a policy that allocates 1.0 per cent of agricultural land for renewable energy, citing its potential to produce 50,000 MW of power.
He also called for maintaining the natural gas production levels, saying that without the drilling of at least ten new wells annually, the country may face increased reliance on imported LNG.
He forecast that gas demand could reach 4,622 MMcfd by 2030, posing a significant challenge to Petrobangla's capacity to supply.
Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan emphasised the government's commitment to fostering a sustainable energy future for Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and diversify energy sources.
Dr Ijaz Hossain urged the government to enhance competition in the transport sector by allowing various fuel options and stressed the importance of monitoring gas misuse to ensure efficient resource management.
The other discussants suggested improvements to regasification terminals, accelerated exploration for natural gas, and the development of a diversified energy portfolio that incorporates coal and renewable sources.

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