German envoy questions some of BD’s energy choices

German Ambassador in Dhaka Dr Albrecht Conze has expressed concern over the government’s recent decisions to construct a coal-fired power plant not far from the Sundarbans and a nuclear power plant near Pabna. Questioning some of the energy choices of Bangladesh, especially two projects, Rampal power plant and Ruppur nuclear power plant, the envoy said energy generation needs to take environmental risks into account, according to a news agency. Ambassador Conze made this statement while opening the Goalpara Power Substation in Khulna Sunday, which has recently been upgraded through introduction of energy efficient technology with support from German Development Cooperation (GDC), according to a media release issued by GIZ. After the opening, the Ambassador briefed journalists at the auditorium of Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL).  Referring explicitly to the incalculable risks the Rampal power plant could pose on the adjacent sanctuary of the Sundarbans, Conze cautioned, “I’m not convinced that the positive effects of the Rampal Power Plant which is expected to provide 1,320 MW of electricity for the southwest of Bangladesh will outweigh the environmental risks of the project.”  Responding to a question related to Bangladesh’s overall power generation mix, Conze also expressed scepticism regarding the proposed Rooppur nuclear power plant project in Pabna.