RE: priority24 Jan 2018 19:24
The Power Division aims to generate 19,000 megawatts of coal-powered energy by 2030. Also, the infrastructure for imported coal and domestic coal development is being prioritised.
It is clear that Bangladesh is betting on coal as it is the cheapest primary energy. Opting for more coal-fired power plants is threatening the programme of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. However, expansion of coal is based on the assessment of costs without factoring in health and environmental impacts. It looks like Bangladesh, a signatory of the Paris climate agreement, is sending a wrong signal to the rest of the world.
The power generation capacity of the country is now 13,621 MW. The incumbent government has been successful to significantly increase power generation. Still, it is too far from creating a balanced energy mix that could take care of the growing demand. The situation is rendered more complicated due to the excessive reliance on coal.