Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood announced on Thursday the government’s plan to establish three additional Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) by 2029 to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The FSRUs are set to be located at Payra, Mongla, and Hiron Point, with efforts already underway to secure investors. The minister shared these details during a virtual seminar organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the BRAC Centre.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister noted that the current disruptions in gas supply are due to a fire incident at the Maheshkhali FSRU. Engineers are actively working to resolve the issue, and operations are being managed by synchronizing boilers to mitigate the impact. Despite the incident, LNG procurement continues, with four cargoes ordered recently to ensure supply resumes promptly once repairs are completed.
The minister outlined plans to expand the pipeline network of the Maheshkhali FSRU, extending it from Chattogram to Bakhrabad to improve gas distribution. There are also considerations for a future land-based LNG terminal set up through single mooring. Emphasizing the importance of gas exploration, he attributed the current challenges to 17 years of neglect. The government has prioritized exploration through well drilling, acquiring two new rigs to bolster BAPEX’s capabilities.
Discussing alternative gas supply methods from Bhola, the minister mentioned technical talks with Malaysia, exploring options to supply gas without pipelines, which could benefit industrial factories. Regarding fuel oil import, the possibility of involving private companies is being examined, although no policy has been finalized, and rumors have been dismissed as unfounded.
The minister expressed concerns over battery-run rickshaws, highlighting their impact on the power grid. He explained that peak power demand has shifted, now extending beyond midnight due to battery charging. Efforts to manage illegal power connections for these rickshaws have been met with resistance, complicating control measures.
In addressing the power crisis, the minister assured that the government, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally monitoring the situation, is committed to resolving the issues. The Prime Minister is expected to present a comprehensive energy policy to the nation in parliament soon.