PM calls for energy sector overhaul
Bangladesh must make more efficient use of its existing power and energy infrastructure and diversify fuel sources to meet rising electricity demand, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Sunday, as he called for greater scrutiny of the economic and environmental costs of large energy projects.
Tarique made the remarks during an inspection of the 1,200-megawatt Matarbari Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant in Cox’s Bazar, where he also reviewed plans for new solar, LNG, LPG, petrochemical and refining facilities.
The prime minister stressed the need for transparency and accountability in project management, regular maintenance and long-term integrated energy
planning, according to officials.
“Maximum and efficient use” of existing infrastructure should be prioritised to strengthen Bangladesh’s power and energy security, he said.
He also called for diversification of energy sources as electricity demand grows, saying decisions on power generation and large-scale infrastructure should give the highest priority to economic viability, environmental impacts and the long-term interests of the people.
The remarks come as Bangladesh seeks to improve the reliability of its power supply while managing the cost and efficiency of a rapidly expanding energy infrastructure.
Tarique said the power facilities, deep-sea port and related industrial infrastructure being developed around Matarbari should be planned and operated as an integrated economic hub.
Their efficient utilisation would support energy security, industrialisation and broader economic activity, he said.
Matarbari at centre of energy plans
During a briefing at the plant, officials updated Tarique on power generation and operations, fuel supply and management, maintenance, operational efficiency, safety and future expansion plans.
The Matarbari plant has two 600MW units and uses ultra-supercritical technology. Its wider infrastructure includes a coal-handling port, transmission lines, access roads and other facilities.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided loan assistance for the project.
Officials told the prime minister that the plant is being operated entirely by Bangladeshi engineers and manpower. Tarique praised their technical capabilities and encouraged them to continue their work.
He later inspected the proposed site of a 70MW solar power plant and was briefed on its development plans and potential generation capacity.
The prime minister also reviewed sites earmarked for an LNG-based power plant, a petrochemical project and a new refinery, as well as infrastructure linked to LPG, LNG and coal terminals.
He sought details on the proposed projects and the future utilisation of existing facilities and gave officials directives on various issues.
At the coal jetty, Tarique inspected infrastructure supporting coal transportation and unloading and observed the Matarbari deep-sea port and LNG terminal.
He also visited the proposed temporary LPG jetty and sites earmarked for future Units 3 and 4 of the coal-fired power plant.
The Matarbari complex is designed to support stable electricity generation while linking power generation with port and energy infrastructure.
The government aims to use the wider complex to strengthen energy security and support industrial development.
Tarique left Matarbari by helicopter at 1:05pm after completing his inspection.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other senior officials accompanied him.
