The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Government is likely to permit individual power plants to supply electricity to industrial consumers; using PDB transmission network on fixed rent.

Power plants will have to generate electricity in this case, using imported fuel managed by their own, said Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Dr M Tamim.

"The state-owned PDB's electricity transmission lines would be opened for all investments by private entrepreneurs. They will be allowed to use national Power Grid network on fixed rent," he added while addressing a seminar yesterday in the capital titled 'Better Business Through Eco and Energy Efficiency.'The Seminar was jointly organised by Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Speaking on the seminar, Dr Tamim also informed that the present Government is seriously considering to import liquid gas from Qatar to cope with current gas shortage in Bangladesh.

According to him, the Government will need over $20 billion investment in power sector in coming few years. Importing gas from Qatar is an effort to search alternative power source. Government has already initiated talk with its Qatar counterparts that would take some time to finalise the deal, he added.

Per unit liquid gas from Qatar would cost around Seven dollar, likely to be imported through pipelines or barge shipments, he informed.

Dr M Tamim, who is responsible for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, emphasised on introducing solar energy mostly at the large building houses in the country to make do with the available power. "All large and new buildings must have solar energy facility," he said.

He also urged the media to create mass-awareness among the people and motivate them to come forward for saving energy. "Media can help change the habit of the people through motivation."