Govt aims to add third FSRU before 2028: Mahdi Amin

The government is targeting the commissioning of a third floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) before the beginning of 2028 to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies for industry and businesses, Prime Minister's Education Adviser and spokesperson of his office Mahdi Amin said today (14 September).

It also plans to drill around 150 new gas wells in the medium term, followed by another 150-well drilling programme, he said.

Mahdi Amin made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and leaders of more than 20 business organisations at the Secretariat.

The meeting focused on the government's short-, medium- and long-term plans for the power and energy sector, including electricity, gas, energy and mineral resources, with an emphasis on supporting industrialisation and employment.

The government also presented its two-, five- and 10-year plans to the business leaders, he said.

Third FSRU targeted before 2028

Bangladesh currently has two floating LNG terminals, or FSRUs, although one remained out of operation for an extended period.

Alongside efforts to repair the damaged terminal, the government is planning to expand the country's floating LNG capacity.

"The initial target is to have three FSRUs and later five. We are trying to add the third FSRU before the beginning of 2028," Mahdi said.

The government is also prioritising domestic gas exploration to reduce reliance on LNG imports.

Around 150 gas wells are currently being drilled, he said. Once that programme is completed, another 150 wells will be taken up.

Plans are also underway to build land-based LNG terminals and expand gas transmission and distribution networks.

Solar power to get priority

On future electricity generation, Mahdi said the government wants to develop a diversified system combining solar power with oil, gas and coal.

Solar energy will receive the greatest emphasis as the government seeks greater energy self-sufficiency, he said.

The broader goal is to develop a power and energy system capable of ensuring uninterrupted supplies to industry and business while diversifying the country's energy sources.

Govt to provide policy support

Business leaders raised various problems and proposals during the meeting, Mahdi said.

He said businesses had made significant contributions to industrialisation and economic growth through their investment, labour and sacrifice.

"The government will provide the necessary policy support from the public sector, while the private sector will implement them," he said.

He stressed that the public and private sectors must work together to move the country forward.

The accumulated economic problems built up over a long period could not be resolved fully in a day, month or year, he said, but added that the government had commitment, sincerity and specific plans at the highest level to address them.

Business leaders presented their concerns, and the government believes those challenges could also create new opportunities, he said.

The government plans to strengthen cooperation with business organisations and apex bodies and continue such consultation meetings, he added.