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Specialist Quality Control Department at JSC Elektrosevkavmontazh, Krasnodar, Russia. Branch office in Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Ishwardi, Pabna, Bangladesh.

সেলিম আহমেদ পাভেল

Specialist Quality Control Department at JSC Elektrosevkavmontazh Krasnodar Russia Branch office in Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Rooppur Nuclear Power PlantIshwardiPabnaBangladesh

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Coal vs gas

০৪ ঠা জানুয়ারি, ২০১৬ ভোর ৬:১২

Coal vs gas

Chowdhury Quamruzzaman vs Anu Muhammad.

There is considerable controversy over the desirability of coal or gas as the long term fuel option for power generation in Bangladesh. The Independent canvassed the views of two experts with strong view on the matter: Professor Anu Muhammad, Department of Economics, Jahangirnagar University and Dr. Chowdhury Quamruzzaman, Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Dhaka, to understand the nuances and differences of opinion.

Question 1: Do you agree with the view that Bangladesh can achieve higher GDP growth rates only through a more energy-intensive economy?

A. Muhammad: Energy is an important tool to develop the real economy; it cannot by itself ensure higher GDP growth or development. Inappropriate planning can always endanger energy resources with wastage, plunder and drainage.

C. Quamruzzaman: Of course, I do agree. We know that GDP growth will be a natural consequence of increased generation of electricity.

Question 2: Which is the most important fuel that Bangladesh could use to secure its energy future?

A. Muhammad: We have gas and we have coal. We mostly use gas at present because we have the requisite national capability and institutions. We have also very high quality coal. We must keep control and ownership of these non-renewable resources for our future energy security.

C. Quamruzzaman: At present gas is the most reliable energy source for power production. But with depleting reserve of gas we should look forward for alternative sources of energy. Since we have such huge reserves of coal we should confidently utilize coal as secure of our energy future.

Question 3: Should countries depend on imported fuel for their energy security or should they exploit their domestic fuels to the extent possible?

A. Muhammad: To the extent possible it is better not to import fuel from the foreign countries, but we are highly dependent on imported oil because we don’t have sufficient of it on our own. But even with present compulsions, it is possible to take initiatives to reduce the oil consumption in a planned way. Thus, we can make greater use of our railways than road transport for freight movement, and take measures to make public transport a far better option compared to private transport. Of course, we must avoid any pro-export policies of gas or coal, because that will lead to more shortage of energy and will make us compulsively vulnerable to high price fuel imports.

C. Quamruzzaman: It requires more financial resources to import fuels from abroad. We should more concentrate to use our domestic energy resources properly rather than import.

Question 4: The government has shown a bias in favor of gas in its current energy policy. Do you think this policy is correct?

A. Muhammad: This is due to availability, exploration and the production facility of gas resources. We have the national capability for doing that which is not yet available for the coal. Of course, the government should immediately establish a national strategy for coal.

C. Quamruzzaman: I do really feel that there is a huge bias that favours gas. This bias ignores the reality of our huge reserves of coal at Jamalganj, Barapukuria, Khalaspir, Phulbari, Dhighipara. These coal fields offer a huge and viable option for power generation. The government must really consider coal-based options in its current energy policy.

Question 5: How long can Bangladesh rely on its available gas reserves for its energy security?

A. Muhammad: The estimate of gas reserve cannot be fixed, and indeed can grow with more exploration. For example, recently our national agency BAPEX discovered huge gas reserve about 4.5 trillion gas in Block 11, which will add additional 60 per cent of gas resources with present reserve. This new reserve is capable of fulfilling our requirement for the next decade if it is controlled by national companies and not being grabbed by foreign companies. We have also great potential of gas reserve in the offshore. I am hopeful that we will have a secure position in gas-

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