BD risks gas depletion by 2030 without new exploration
Business Report :
Speakers at an event in Dhaka Saturday said energy security is crucial for sustainable industrial development, calling for stronger awareness of energy efficiency, regular energy audits, better conservation practices, improved financing and incentives, grid modernization, and effective policy implementation.
They shared these insights at a policy dissemination titled “Bangladesh Industrial Energy Efficiency Policy: A Draft for Sustainable Progress” held at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
The event was jointly organised by DCCI and the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).
Chief guest Jalal Ahmed, chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), said experts have long warned that Bangladesh may exhaust its domestic gas reserves by 2030, but exploration efforts remain stagnant.
Due to slow progress in offshore and onshore exploration, the country relies heavily on imported gas.
He said the energy sector currently operates at only 30 percent efficiency, and improving this could significantly reduce electricity shortages.
He noted that greater use of renewable energy by the RMG sector would accelerate improvement.
Presenting the keynote, Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, said that although Bangladesh has an energy master plan, the industrial sector suffers from the absence of supportive and clear policies.
He said energy efficiency is not consistently defined in industrial settings, resulting in weak incentives for industries to adopt efficient technologies.
Focus group discussions with stakeholders from RMG, cement, steel, and commercial sectors identified priorities including audits, conservation, financing support, grid upgrades, and proper communication.
Participants also stressed expanding logistics services and increasing gas and electricity supply to keep industries operational.
Dr Md Rafiqul Islam of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) said energy security is as vital as national and food security.
He pointed out that Bangladesh spent around $20 billion on energy imports last fiscal year, calling for greater private-sector involvement and prioritisation of domestic resources.
Dr M Rezwan Khan, Chairman of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, said the sector’s problems cannot be solved without revising electricity tariffs, including separating peak and off-peak rates.
He added that load shedding often occurs due to a lack of funds for fuel purchases rather than faults in the supply system.
Earlier, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said that ensuring uninterrupted energy supply has become a major challenge for industries, hurting production and investment.
He emphasised reducing dependence on fossil fuels, increasing renewable energy use, and building a comprehensive sustainable energy framework.
Industry leaders including Manwar Hossain (Anwar Group), Mohammed Amirul Haque (BCMA), Mostafa Al Mahmud (BSREA), Vidiya Amrit Khan (BGMEA) and others shared their views at the event. Former DCCI leaders and members also took part in the open discussion.
DCCI Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, board members, and representatives from public and private sectors were present.