LNG solution is an option worth taking
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
IT could take four or five years to start using coal to diversify the energy basket. At least seven or nine years of exploration would be needed to harvest offshore oil and gas. It could take at least five years to get power from any regional grid. So, Bangladesh needs to take alternative action, and immediately, to confront the situation.
Import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be a ready solution to the growing energy shortage. It can provide the benefits in two years. Though a costly option, the gains will outweigh the expenditure.
Giant economies like Japan, Korea and Taiwan depend on imported LNG. China and India also have taken the LNG route to supplement energy supplies. Evolving LNG technology makes it possible to replace massive LNG regasification plants and receiving terminals with much smaller low draft LNG ships and floating LNG terminals.
It can be a good option to address the perennial gas shortage in Chittagong. The companies can set up terminals off the Sangu shore in one working season, March to October 2010. With contracts in place with the suppliers, gas could start arriving at Chittagong to feed the national grid by November 2010.
Shamim Ahmed
Banani, Dhaka.
Import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be a ready solution to the growing energy shortage. It can provide the benefits in two years. Though a costly option, the gains will outweigh the expenditure.
Giant economies like Japan, Korea and Taiwan depend on imported LNG. China and India also have taken the LNG route to supplement energy supplies. Evolving LNG technology makes it possible to replace massive LNG regasification plants and receiving terminals with much smaller low draft LNG ships and floating LNG terminals.
It can be a good option to address the perennial gas shortage in Chittagong. The companies can set up terminals off the Sangu shore in one working season, March to October 2010. With contracts in place with the suppliers, gas could start arriving at Chittagong to feed the national grid by November 2010.
Shamim Ahmed
Banani, Dhaka.