Diversified energy sector needed with regional integration

As the conflict in Europe rages on with no end in sight, the impact is being felt across the globe with high inflation, supply chain disruptions, energy shortage and power cuts. The war in Europe is manifesting itself in a plethora of socio economic hardships.

Bangladesh, like many other countries, imports fuel to run power plants and volatility in the international fuel market has triggered an austerity measure, resulting in power cuts all over the country.

At such a juncture, with the war becoming protracted, the energy adviser has called for diversified power generation. As per a TBP report, Prime Minister’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has urged officials to work towards building a diversified energy sector.

Reportedly, he underlined the need for creative solutions for resolving the problems in the power and energy sector, while addressing a webinar, titled 'Diversified Energy, Enriched Future', organised by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on the occasion of the National Energy Security Day.

Reportedly, harnessing solar power was stressed, which is of course an environment friendly option. However, to use solar panels, a mass awareness among consumers is needed first. For instance, in Dhaka city, if small solar plates are installed in homes then lights and fans can be run without having to rely on electricity. However, for this, a massive campaign is required. The government can also sell solar panels either at a low rate or attach the purchase of a solar panel cost to electricity cards that are sold for pre-paid metres.

After a certain cost is paid, panels can be supplied to the users with usage of these made mandatory.

There is nothing coercive about it, but a combined effort both from the government and the people in a time of economic stringency and energy shortage. In the rural areas, popularising solar panels should be made a top priority for all elected public representatives so the issue does not lose importance.

On the other hand, it’s high time for Bangladesh and other nations in the region to chalk out a strategic power integration map which will allow sharing of power among nations. There had been discussions in the past about hydropower although the progress has been slow.

As per a World Bank report, a more deeply integrated power system in South Asia positions electricity trade as a new driver for socioeconomic benefits.  It could result in scaled up investments in renewables, more jobs, as well as electricity trade savings for importers and revenues for exporters. It is, therefore, important for energy policy makers in the region to have a shared vision for a South Asia Regional Electricity Market that prioritizes diversifying energy sources and a transition to renewable energy.

Bangladesh faces surplus energy during the winter when demands remain low but Nepal faces power shortages because of low water levels in the rivers as most of Nepal’s energy is produced by run-of-the-river plants. On the other hand, Nepal produces surplus energy during summer and monsoon when power demand in Bangladesh surges. Since last year, Nepal has been able to sell its surplus energy to India’s power exchange market and Bangladesh should also get a piece of the cake.

Since Bangladesh has a wide ranging trade, development and cultural agreements with China, harnessing wind power can be an option as China is the biggest wind power producing nation with more than a quarter of total capacity at 342 gigawatts.

This is more than double the country's total wind capacity in 2015. China is also home to the world's largest onshore wind farm in Gansu province, with 10 gigawatts of peak capacity.

A coherent policy with practical steps will help Bangladesh tackle the current energy challenge.