The New Nation - Internet Edition

A Round Table Discussion (RTD) on "Power for all by 2020" was organised jointly by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and The Daily Star at the DCCI Auditorium on November 10, 2007. The objective of the seminar was to discuss various aspects to provide access of power to all citizens by 2020, which is a national goal of the Government of Bangladesh. Dr. M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Secretary, Power Division.

Ministry of Energy, Power & Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh was present as chief guest. Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The Daily Star moderated the RTD. Shariar Khan, City Editor, The daily Star presented the keynote paper. Hossain Khaled, President, DCCI chaired the RTD.

Dr. M. Fouzul Kabir Khan, Secretary, Power Division. Ministry of Energy, Power and Mineral Resources, GoB said that the government is working to supply power for 60% people by 2010. He stated that 300 M.W. electricity from rental power plant and 200 M.W. from other sources will be obtained by March, 2008 and it will meet a big portion of current demand. He also said, all process for generating 1350 M.W. electricity from country's three big power plants at Bibiyana (450 M. W), Serajgonj (450 M.W) and Meghna (450 M.W) will be completed by December 2008. He stressed that system loss must be reduced to single digit by increasing efficiency of power sector. He further said, Power tariff is a very sensitive issue. Price of power is higher than cost and comparatively lesser than neighbouring countries. He further mentioned that 20% coal are being extracted from Dinajpur Borapukuria Coal Mining, not getting enough coal or power from this source. Coal fired power plants should be set up by imported coal near the ports.

In his address of welcome Hossain Khaled, President DCCI stated that the achievement of the goal of "Power for all by 2020" is very challenging. Due to the negligence in generating power in the last few years, the power sector suffered much. The most alarming aspect was lack of successful power due to delay in decision making.

If power supply is ensured as per demand, the growth of GDP can be 10% per annum, he added. He suggested to take various short, medium and long-term measures to overcome current power shortage and ensure power for all by 2020. His suggestions include reduction of system loss of all power suppliers; ensure supply of coal to the power plants in Barapukuria; allowing small power plants to the private sector; supplying gas to power grid, synchronisation of generation, transmission & distribution of power: enhance regional co-operation among India, Nepal and Bhutan to use the Himalayan water resources; implement Ruppur Atomic Energy Project; use renewable energy; convert public sector power producers to public limited companies; finalise coal policy; take steps for attracting FDI etc. He also emphasized 'on the success of power sector in Bangladesh through institutional development.

Mahfuz Anam stated that Presently Bangladesh's 'demands for power is 5200 megawatt while supply is 4200 mw. The government is now burdened with overwhelming number of tenders for power projects totalling nearly 4000 mw generation capacity. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission is not working efficiently. He informed that in the next 13 years, the nation's demand would be thousands of MW which needs huge investment, successful bidding, negotiation and implementation. .

Touhidul Islam, Managing Director of Summit Power Co. Ltd. urged upon the government to take decision to award big power projects very quickly to avoid disaster in coming years and rationalise power tariff to attract investment.

A number of experts relating to power participated as designated discussants. They suggested to rationalise tariff structure of electricity, supplying coal as alternative of gas, reform of nation power policy emphasising supply to agriculture and industry, taking big power plants projects, freedom of power producers to generate and sale electricity by establishing an effective multiple buyer model in the power sector.

Among others M.H. Rahman, Past President, DCCI, M.A. Momen, 'Past President, DCCI, M. Shahjahan Khan, Sr. Vice President, DCCI also took part in the discussion.