Energy Strategy Shift: Engineers Urge Local Resources, Renewables and Gas Exploration Boost
Experts and engineers have stressed maximizing the use of local energy resources, intensifying gas exploration, and expanding renewable energy to ensure Bangladesh’s power and energy security. They warned that an excessive import-dependent energy system is creating additional pressure on the national economy, making long-term planning and an integrated energy policy essential.
These observations were made at a workshop titled “Recommendations on Bangladesh’s Power and Energy Security,” organized by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. The event was held on Wednesday, 13 May, in the Council Hall of the IEB headquarters in Ramna, Dhaka.
The workshop was chaired by Engineer Khan Manzur Morshed, Vice President (Academic & International) of IEB, while Engineer Sheikh Al Amin, Vice President (HRD), conducted the session.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Engineer Mohammad Ali, former head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BUET. Discussions included Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, Head of Petroleum and Mining Engineering at CUET; Engineer Md. Tajul Islam Mazumder, General Manager of Petrobangla; Engineer Md. Shaukat Ferdous, Manager (Production) of BAPEX; Engineer Md. Mujibur Rahman, Director of SREDA; Engineer Sohorab Hossain, Manager (Planning) of Eastern Refinery PLC; Engineer Helal Uddin Talukder, Director of BERC; along with other experts and professionals from the power and energy sector.
Speakers said global energy market volatility, climate change impacts, and import dependency are putting Bangladesh’s energy security at risk. In this context, they called for increased gas exploration in both onshore and offshore blocks using modern technology. They also emphasized harnessing the potential of solar, wind, and waste-to-energy power generation.
They further noted the need to reduce excessive reliance on LNG, coal, and liquid fuels and to develop a balanced energy mix. Before establishing new power plants, they stressed ensuring proper feasibility studies, fuel supply capacity assessments, and environmental impact evaluations.
Calling for good governance, transparency, and accountability in the power and energy sector, the speakers urged the establishment of effective monitoring systems to prevent corruption, wastage, and irregularities in project implementation. They also recommended prioritizing the opinions of local engineers and experts in decision-making.
The workshop was attended by Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Vice President (S&W) of IEB; Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, Hon. Assistant Secretary General (S&W); members of the central council; leaders of various engineering departments; and representatives from different engineering organizations.
DBTech/SE/EK/OR
