Dear All, Recently I have analyzed what is happening in Bangladesh power sector which is a life line for Bangladesh future in economical growth as well as basic human needs. Every Govt in BD for the last 38 years started with topics that BD needs new power generation and also have put towers many areas, but never worked on increasing the electricity generation. It's like seeds but not putting in the field. There could be few reasons: 1) So much money to make in this sector by MPs and Ministers in this sector, is like a gold mine to them. 2) They have lack of knowledge about this sector or lack of expertise. 3) Outside pressure which prevents to make any improvement in this sector. It may have been realized that if BD gains in this sector, it will be tough to stop BD progress. 4) No Govt has any vision or clear picture what to do. I still believe that N-Power is the only option and we need to start today, not tomorrow. I welcome AL Govt about talking it but I will endorse them only when I see the implementation. It will take at least 8-10 years but if AL Govt starts the ground works, next Govt will follow through with people pressure. If nobody starts the ground works and keep all in paper and manifesto, we will be in square one regardless of AL or BNP supporters. I urge current AL Govt to take bold initiatives, not to get headlines but to get real help for the 150 Million people. We NRBs are ready to help if required with technologies and finance. Regards, M M Chowdhury (Mithu), Chemical Engineer Director, Political and Economical Development in Bangladesh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 years needed to ease power supply: Muhith The Power Division remained silent about the possible road map for power generation in the future Tuesday March 31 2009 00:38:44 AM BDT Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said it will not be possible to reduce the power supply gap within three years as promised in the election manifesto of the ruling Awami League. "The most critical issue is power supply. Whatever sector we consider to take forward - be it agriculture or non-agriculture sectors(The New Nation) - will not move forward without power," he told a pre-budget meeting with Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at the NEC conference room. Muhith made the remarks amid the acute power crisis that has been holding back the growth potentials apart from the challenges of the global recession. Prime Minister's Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr Masihur Rahman, Planning Commission members and senior officials from different agencies under the ministries of Finance and Planning were present at the meeting, "I don't know when we'll be able to reduce the big gap of power supply. We thought we'll be able to do it in three years, but now we see it won't be possible," said the Finance Minister, expressing his frustration about the administrative system. He also blamed the governments during the last 5-7 years for not taking any power generation projects. "We're now paying the price." Muhith said: "This is a matter of commitment… of patriotism. This is a matter of public service… I've nothing more to say (in this regard)." He, however, did not give any indication about the possible timeframe of reducing the power supply gap. "Some more time will be required," he said. Presently, there is a demand-supply gap of around 2,000 megawatt power in the country as against the total demand of 5,500 MW, causing an average of 5-6 hours load shedding per day. The ruling Awami League in its election manifesto pledged to double the power generation from 3,500 MW to 7,000 MW during this government' s tenure of five years. Some 10 power projects, both in the public and private sectors, with an estimated generation capacity of around 3,000 MW could not make progress for lack of gas supply. Of them, three big ones are Bibiyana, Sirajganj and Meghna Ghat Phase-II, each having 450 MW capacity. Meanwhile, Petrobangla has decided not to supply gas to any new projects after the year 2011. Instead they recommended the government to set up dual-fuel (oil and furnace) plant or coal-based power plant. The Power Division also remained silent about the possible road map for power generation in the future. State Minister for Power Shamsul Haque Tuku recently said that the government would import power, if necessary, like rice and pulses. Only neighbouring India recently expressed interest to export some power to Bangladesh from its 900 MW power plant in Tripura, but per unit power would cost Tk 17 as against Tk 2 per unit in Bangladesh. |
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