Kamal said, “As part of the mega plan to generate 60,000 MW by 2041, we have already been able to enhance power generation capacity to 24,000 MW including captive and renewable energy, extend electricity facility to 97 percent of our population.”
“I propose an allocation of TK.26,758 crore for the Power and Energy and Mineral Resources Divisions in the budget for FY2020-21, which was Tk. 28,051 crore in FY2019-20,” Kamal said.
He said currently, 48 power plants with a combined generation capacity of 16,875 megawatts (MW) are under construction, while contracts signing for 12 power plants construction with a generation capacity of 2,785 MW were under process.
Besides, tender process for six power plants having generation capacity of 650 MW is underway, the minister said, adding, “We have also taken up plans to construct 16 more power plants with a generation capacity of 19,100 MW in the near future.”
He said the government has been implementing a number of mega projects including Rampal having 1,320 MW, Matarbari with 1,200 MW and Payra with a generation capacity of 1,320 MW in the sector, as Payra, Maheskhali and Matarbari are power hubs.
“Steps have been taken to construct coal-based power plants having 10,000 MW generation capacity in Maheskhali in joint ventures. Plans have been made to construct Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-based power plants. Construction of 2,400 MW Nuclear Power Plant in Ruppur is progressing well,” Kamal said.
He said 1,160 MW power is being imported from neighbouring India under regional and sub-regional cooperation, while a MOU was signed with Nepal under bilateral energy trade, and negotiation has been finalised to import 500-MW electricity from an IPP.
“We are laying emphasis on solar energy-based electricity aimed at enhancing contribution of renewable energy to 10 percent of total generation. We have so far been able to generate 628 MW of power from renewable energy,” he said.
The government has taken up plans to install roof-top solar panels at every educational institution, he said. In addition, power has been provided to people living in off-grid areas through 58 lakh solar home systems, he added.
The finance minister said the total transmission line has now increased to 11,119 circuit kilometers and distribution line to 5,60,000 kilometers.
“We are moving ahead with the agenda of bringing all 52 upazilas of the country under electricity coverage by December 2020. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated full electrification of 257 upazilas and another 153 upazilas
await inauguration,” Kamal said.
The government has taken short, medium and long-term gas exploration plans in both land and sea areas to increase gas production, he added.
After gaining the new maritime boundary, Bangladesh has framed Onshore Model PSC 2019 and Offshore Model PSC 2019 to start new rounds of bidding for blocks in onshore and offshore areas, Kamal said.
The finance minister said apart from this, the government has been installing pre-paid gas meters to prevent gas wastage and 2,60,000 pre-paid meters were installed in Dhaka city and Chattagram region.
A land-based LNG Terminal at Matarbari with a 1,000 mmcfd, activities such as the feasibility study and the terminal developer selection are currently under progress, he said.