Prompt decision needed to ensure energy security, say experts
Monday, 11 June 2007
FE Report
Speakers at a roundtable Sunday stressed the need for taking prompt decision to ensure the energy security of the country.
They also laid emphasis on finding a viable way of coal extraction as soon as possible to reduce the dependence on gas, which is running out fast.
Speaking on the occasion, energy adviser Tapan Chowdhury underscored the need for encouraging participation of the private sector to increase power generation as well as efficiency of the energy sector.
The private sector power generation companies could be allowed to supply power using the national grid on payment of just a wheeling charge.
The roundtable on the National Energy Policy was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city.
However, Tapan said the government has to ensure transparency in the bidding system to pave the way for private sector investment.
He, however, said that the third-round gas-block bidding would start within a short time.
The government's move to launch the bidding without any seismic survey has created confusions among the foreign companies, who were interested to participate in the bidding, he added.
"We should take a decision on an urgent basis to find a viable way of coal extraction, because it will take at least five years to implement the decision," he observed, adding that the coal policy will be finalised by July next.
Speaking on the occasion, energy secretary AMM Nasir Uddin stressed the need for readjustment of gas price, which, according to him, is lowest in the world.
He also laid emphasis on framing a policy guideline to sort out the proposals submitted by the international oil and gas companies in the energy sector.
The government has prepared a draft coal policy on the basis of suggestions of all stakeholders in the sector, he said.
"We have to concentrate on gas transmission and distribution as well as further exploration to supply gas to the end users," he said.
About the coal extraction method, he said: "There is no unique method of coal extraction, it could be changed on the basis of scientific, geological or environmental aspects."
Experts at the session advocated open-pit coal mining instead of underground mining for coal extraction. They termed the method more safe and scientific for coal extraction.
Speakers at a roundtable Sunday stressed the need for taking prompt decision to ensure the energy security of the country.
They also laid emphasis on finding a viable way of coal extraction as soon as possible to reduce the dependence on gas, which is running out fast.
Speaking on the occasion, energy adviser Tapan Chowdhury underscored the need for encouraging participation of the private sector to increase power generation as well as efficiency of the energy sector.
The private sector power generation companies could be allowed to supply power using the national grid on payment of just a wheeling charge.
The roundtable on the National Energy Policy was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city.
However, Tapan said the government has to ensure transparency in the bidding system to pave the way for private sector investment.
He, however, said that the third-round gas-block bidding would start within a short time.
The government's move to launch the bidding without any seismic survey has created confusions among the foreign companies, who were interested to participate in the bidding, he added.
"We should take a decision on an urgent basis to find a viable way of coal extraction, because it will take at least five years to implement the decision," he observed, adding that the coal policy will be finalised by July next.
Speaking on the occasion, energy secretary AMM Nasir Uddin stressed the need for readjustment of gas price, which, according to him, is lowest in the world.
He also laid emphasis on framing a policy guideline to sort out the proposals submitted by the international oil and gas companies in the energy sector.
The government has prepared a draft coal policy on the basis of suggestions of all stakeholders in the sector, he said.
"We have to concentrate on gas transmission and distribution as well as further exploration to supply gas to the end users," he said.
About the coal extraction method, he said: "There is no unique method of coal extraction, it could be changed on the basis of scientific, geological or environmental aspects."
Experts at the session advocated open-pit coal mining instead of underground mining for coal extraction. They termed the method more safe and scientific for coal extraction.