BSS :
Speakers at a webinar said appropriate fuel mix must be adopted for ensuring sustainable power supply to all at affordable cost while Bangladeshi home- grown experienced energy and power sector professionals must be tasked for formulating the comprehensive power and energy master plan.
M2K EP Talks organized the webinar titled “Power-Energy Integrated Master Plan” on Saturday. EP Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain moderated the webinar, said a press release here on Sunday.
Abul Kalam Azad, special envoy of the Presidency of Climate Vulnerable Forum of UN, addressed it as the chief guest.
Former Chairman of Petrobangla and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Muqtadir Ali, former Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Engineer Alomgir Kabir, former Member of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Abdul Aziz Khan, President of International Business Forum and CEO of Energypac Humayun Rashid, energy and mining expert Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman and International Energy Consultant Engineer Khondkar Abdus Saleque from Melbourne, Australia participated as panelist in the discussion.
While formulating the master plan, they suggested, it must be born in mind that the world cannot completely eliminate use of fossil fuel in near future and not even by 2050.
They said the master plan must be realistic and not prepared on the basis of emotions. An implementable road map must also be included in the master plan for regular monitoring achievements, they observed.
Referring to a report of World Energy Council Abul Kalam Azad informed that, 79% power was generated from fossil fuels in 2010. For efficient use of fuel and energy fossil fuels in 2050 would continue contributing more than 50% of above, he said.
He said even by that time in lower growth case fossil fuel would contribute 59% and higher growth case 79%. Hence the challenge during this period would be environment protection, energy security and equity of supply, he added.
He said that past master plans were also integrated. Those were formulated in consideration of prevailing realities at that time, he said.
Abul Kalam Azad said though separate master plans were prepared in 2010 and 2016 for power and gas. But during preparation power and energy sectors talked and coordinated among them for preparing separate master plans, he added.
“Now initiative has been taken to prepare an integrated master plan. In my opinion local experts must be given priority role during its formulation”, he said.
Muqtadir Ali observed that lack of coordination among the stakeholders is the main problem mentioning that plans cannot be properly implemented for this.
Humayun Rashid, CEO Energypac, pointed out the existence of various uncertainties in the power and the energy sectors.
There is no option to ensuring safe, quality and uninterrupted power for industrial development and economic growth, he said.
He said that private sector must also be included in the formulation of integrated power and energy master plan. It will assist in industrial growth and job opportunities, he added.
ASM Alamgir Kabir suggested for engaging local experts for formulating master plan rather than relying on foreign consultants. If necessary for credibility of formulated document it may be vetted by accredited consultants, he said.
Abdul Aziz Khan said all knows where Bangladesh aspires to reach in 2041.
Integrated Power Energy master plan must be prepared crafting it to achieving that national vision, he said adding that fuel mix is almost ready while solar must be given priority this time.
Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman suggested for preparing background papers before preparing integrated master plan.
Setting specific goal and charting road map for reaching goal would be easier if background papers are ready at hand, he said adding that integrated master plan must be a brief policy document.
Engr. Khondkar Abdus Saleque said every master plan included a policy vision and PSMP 2010 and PSMP 2016 also had such vision.
But failure to follow these during implementation created issues in adoption of appropriate fuel mix, he said.
He said in future plan due priorities must be given to economic exploitation of own primary fuel resources and an implantable road map for PSMP must also be in place.
