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BSS-37
DCCI- WEBINAR -EXCHANGE
Wider natural gas exploration for future industrial energy meet : experts
DHAKA, June 19, 2021 (BSS) – Experts at a cybernetic view exchange today urged the government for extensive exploration for natural gas to ensure cost effective energy supply in the industries in future.
They said LNG and LPG are being used in the industries, but the volume is very low because of its higher price.
They also made an opinion that natural gas is still very cost effective for the industries and emphasized on energy mix and energy diversification.
The experts came up with such views at a webinar organized on “Future of Industrial Fuel Source in Bangladesh: LPG & LNG” held today, said a DCCI press release.
Senior Secretary of the Energy & Mineral Resources Division, Md. Anisur Rahman joined the webinar as the chief guest. Member (gas), Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Md. Maqbul-E-Elahi Chowdhury joined as the special guest.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman chaired and moderated the webinar, said a press release.
Md. Anisur Rahman said the government has not stopped gas exploration, rather 100 million cubic feet gas has been added to the national grid recently.
“It is good news that we have found new gas field in Jokigonj from where BAPEX will explore gas. Our capacity for onshore gas exploration is quite satisfactory, but for offshore gas exploration we still encourage foreign explorers,” he said.
Anisur said the market size of LPG is of 12 lakh ton and already TK 30,000 crore have been invested in this sector.
Some 29 private LPG operators are now active while the government will establish a LPG terminal in Matarbari with a capacity of 12 million ton where 40 thousand-ton capacity ship will be able to come. “If it is done, one third costs will be reduced.”
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said that energy plays a pivotal role in the economic development and industrial progress of a country.
“The growing energy need for diverse economic operations demand blended energy mix to offset the shortages of gas,” he told.
Rizwan also mentioned that to accelerate the industrial growth in a planned and more environment-friendly way, there is a need to put more focus on the import and production of alternative fuel like LPG and LNG alongside natural gas exploration.
“Currently, LNG constitutes 1.2% of the total global import which is around 1000 mmcfd against the daily demand while LPG meets 2% of domestic energy demand,” Rizwan added.
The DCCI President said that the government needs to expedite the process of establishing LPG and LNG terminals, network infrastructure alongside long-term roadmap for sustainable development of this sector.
In addition, considering the rising demand for LPG, LPG bottling, storage facilities, needs to be installed under the public-private partnership model.
“However, “tariff fixation” of these fuels needs be readdressed holistically for prioritizing rational cost of living and doing business industrial perspective.” He added.
Engineer Kohondkar Saleque Sufi, Former Director (Operation), GTCL, Petrobangla presented the keynote paper.
He highlighted that the LNG and LPG will be the future fuel for industries in Bangladesh and there is a need for a sustainable supply of primary fuel in the industries.
“We need to have a rational planning for utilization of gas….. For the industries he also suggested to use roof-top solar or renewable energy and green water harvesting method.
Md. Maqbul-E-Elahi Chowdhury, Member (gas), Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) said the government needs to strengthen BAPEX for gas exploration.
“At present, we have 3300 million cubic feet gas out of which 74% comes from local gas and 26% comes from LNG. WE have to open data center,” he said urging upon the government to expedite local gas exploration.
Maqbul said BERC fixed coordinated LPG price in the country, but meetings will be held again in July to review the price and private sector has to convince BERC to review the price.
“If the price of LPG comes down and affordable to the lower middle income level, by the year 2025 about 3 million ton LPG will be needed.” He added.
Professor Dr. M. Shamsul Alam, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Daffodil International University recommended rationalizing and reducing the price in the end-user level.
Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA said gas is very important for the RMG industry and the backward linkage industry like textile, spinning, dying, and finishing.
“In the last 10 years, our gas supply has increased from 754 billion cubic feet to 975 billion cubic feet. For RMG industry LPG/LNG could be a short term solution but the strategic priority is something else,” he added.
Md. Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, Assistant Professor & Director, Centre for Energy Research, United International University (UIU) said that solar energy will be the cheapest power source.
“By the year 2041, 30% of total demand of electricity will come from renewable energy.” He added.
Mr. Aameir Ali Hussain, Managing Director, BSRM urged for fuel diversification and energy mix.
“Land-based permanent LNG terminal and distribution channel will reduce cost. However, private sector should not only depend on only one fuel.” He added.
DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin gave the vote of thanks.
DCCI’s former Director Nuher L. Khan, Director Arman Haque and Convenor Malik Talha Ismail Bari also spoke on the occasion.
BSS/PR/GM/SKB/ 1917 hrs