Experts are hoping to find a good quantity of gas if the discovered gas fields in Bangladesh are explored deeper.
In this case, Bangladesh can continue to explore in high pressure zones in the depths of many gas fields using new technology.
The experts made the suggestion at a webinar hosted by Energy and Power magazine on Saturday.
Mortuza Ahmed Farooq, former managing director of Bapex and energy expert, presented the keynote paper, while Mollah M Amzad Hossain, editor of the magazine was moderator at the virtual event.
Mortuza Ahmed said, ‘many countries are drilling at a deep level to overcome high pressure zones using advanced technology.
Recently, excavations have been planned up to 15,000 meters below the Caspian Sea. The United States currently digs about 10,000 meters underground for oil and about 9,000 meters for gas. However, there are several challenges to drilling in the high pressure zones in our country.
Bapex can overcome the challenges with the support of experienced companies. Besides, exploration work in the hilly areas also needs to be started.
Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Professor of Dhaka University said that it is more likely to get gas by deep drilling in some gas blocks of the country, especially in the hilly areas. This exploration is now a matter of time in several areas including Titas, Bakhrabad, Srikail, Shahbazpur, Rashidpur.
Energy expert Professor Badrul Imam said, "We have found high pressure zones in many discovered gas fields in the country. Gas extraction has stopped due to pressure. Now the amount of gas in these high pressure zones is not proven. So, before we go into drip drilling, we can collect the information on how much gas there is and model it on a database. We are still optimistic, gas can be found in many areas. We hope that one day this gas will be discovered and our gas crisis will be over.”
Energy expert Professor M Tamim said “there is still a possibility of getting gas in the country, which is a matter of great hope. However, there is uncertainty as to how much will be available. Meanwhile, the production of gas fields is gradually decreasing. Suddenly, 300-400 million cubic feet of gas can be reduced. And if it is reduced in a hurry, it will be very difficult to meet. This deficit cannot be filled by importing LNG alone. Bapex will not work if it is under government direction. Doing so does not work.”
“Many times a lot of decisions have to be made immediately which Bapex is not able to do due to government direction. As a result the speed of work is also decreasing,” he added.
He also said working in the high pressure zone is risky but not impossible. It cannot be disappointing if we don't get anything after drilling in risky places. However, we can't do anything without information. Some information has also been gathered. But not all has happened yet.
Among others, Energy expert Salek Sufi, and Farid Uddin also spoke at the event.
