Country's gas production remains limited, reliance on imports rising: BERC chairman
The BERC chief said poor exploration progress and low efficiency are affecting industries, urging wider use of renewable energy to ease the situation
Bangladesh has been unable to utilise its own gas reserves due to limited progress in exploration in both offshore and onshore fields, resulting in increased reliance on imported gas, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed said today (29 November).
"Energy efficiency in the country is now around 30%, and improving it could help reduce the power deficit. Apparel factories should also be encouraged to use renewable energy, which would contribute to improving the overall situation," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) conference hall in the capital.
The discussion, titled "Energy Efficiency Policy in Bangladesh's Industrial Sector: A Pathway to Sustainable Development," was jointly organised by DCCI and the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (Sanem).
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Selim Raihan, executive director of Sanem, presented the keynote paper.
Jalal Ahmed said industries are facing difficulties because, despite having a master plan, the energy sector lacks supportive policies.
"There is no clear definition of energy efficiency in industries, and incentives for improving it differ across sectors," he said.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said uninterrupted energy supply has become a major challenge for Bangladesh's industrial sector, affecting production, investment, and overall economic growth.
"This large sector, which uses 19% of the country's gas, is now facing a serious existential crisis," he said.
He added that reducing reliance on fossil fuels and expanding the use of renewable energy are essential for sustainable growth.
"A sustainable energy framework is now necessary," he said.
Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) member Md Rafiqul Islam said energy security is one of the country's highest priorities after national and food security.
"If dependence on imports continues to rise, business costs will keep increasing, so greater focus on local sources is essential," he said.
"Around $20 billion worth of energy was imported in the last fiscal year, creating opportunities to increase private sector participation in the energy sector," he added.
