For the first time the government is considering not to depend on coal for power generation. Such consideration came to light facing various problems and challenges of environmental damages, sources said.
According to power division officials, the government is seriously reconsidering on a possible decision on not to implement the new coal-based projects, which are now at their initial stages of implementation.
Instead, the government is now emphasizing on using more efficient and environmentally friendly renewable energy and fossil fuel - gas.
Sources said that a fresh ‘master plan’ is being prepared in the power and energy sector which proposes reducing dependency on coal.
“The cost of coal in the international market is increasing. In addition, the demand for electricity in the country has been relatively low due to the corona virus. On the other hand, it requires a relatively large amount of land for coal-based power plant,” sources said.
They also said, “Again, transportation of coal is not safe due to risk of contamination. The environmental value of coal is much higher. In such a situation, the government is reconsidering on reducing the use of coal.”
Sultan Ahmed, Secretary of Power Division told Bangladesh Post, “Discussions are now underway around the world to reduce use of coal for environmental reasons. Bangladesh will not take up any such project that is harmful for the environment. We are aware of the ongoing discussions globally.”
Ahmed also said that entrepreneurs who invest in coal power projects are also very cautious in this regard. So, both sides are thinking about investing so that it is not risky.”
In the energy master plan that was prepared in 2010, about 50 percent of the electricity was supposed to come from coal. When the energy master plan was reviewed in 2016, the use of coal was reduced to 35 percent.
ccording to the power division, the demand for electricity has been declining recently due to the changed situation due to the corona virus. This year, the demand for electricity was expected to stand at 15,000 MW, but the actual demand has not exceeded 12,000 MW so far. But at present the power generation capacity of the country is about 20,000MW. As such, the demand for electricity that will be determined in 2041 will also come down.
Energy experts and environmentalists said that Bangladesh face risk of severe climate change due to the use of coal in power generation. Activists have also agitated at different times to stop construction of coal power plants.
They are still protesting in various ways. Bangladesh will benefit in the long run if it focuses on gas exploration activities of the country without using coal for power generation. Besides, renewable energy like as solar and wind power sources can be used very easily as an alternative to coal. This will lead to affordable and sustainable solutions in the power sector as well as maintaining the balance of the environment.
The Mohammad Hossain Director General of Power Cell told Bangladesh Post that “The master plan is being reviewed now. The matter will be reviewed. Currently we are now self-sufficient in electricity. Many of the power plants, which are under planning, will no longer need to be rebuilt. As a result, the use of coal will naturally decrease. In particular, coal-based projects that are in the early stages of negotiation will be reconsidered. However, work on the projects under construction will continue.”
