The state of the energy sector in Bangladesh is briefly assessed and a number of recommendations are made to move forward. There appears to be no comprehensive energy strategy for the country. Efforts that are taken by our government are fragmented, policies are often inconsistent and nontransparent, legal/regulatory/institutional frameworks are challenged and the discourse on energy issues is unnecessarily polarized, even among the experts. Energy source options for Bangladesh are limited. Natural gas is the primary indigenous modern energy source and its unutilized proved reserve is insufficient to meet long-term internal needs, let alone consider export or guaranteed supply being proposed by certain quarters. The rural energy sector, which is the single largest component of Bangladesh energy sector, has not received sufficient attention. Proposals for open-pit mining of coal are not well thought out and can lead to severe human dislocations, environmental and ecological disasters. Efforts in utilizing modern renewable energy sources are at an early stage. Despite the extraordinary difficulties noted above, BEN Energy Panel is confident that Bangladesh can make significant strides in the energy sector.
The panel recommends that a comprehensive, holistic energy strategy be developed to address the above shortcomings. These policies must arrive to a national dialog, free from vested agendas and external interference. While existing institutions and frameworks must be strengthened, new institutions, such as a Center for Energy Excellence, should be set up to coherently arrive at economic, technical and policy options in the energy sector. Policies to support the energy strategy must be based on expert, unbiased economic, geological and engineering assessment, and not on speculation or rhetoric. These policies must utilize international best practices, and promote greater self-reliance in energy exploration, development and utilization. It is recognized that foreign direct investment in the energy sector can infuse needed funds and technology but it must be considered within the context of the comprehensive energy strategy developed. It must support the country’s long-term interests, including the goal of greater self-reliance in all aspects of energy sector activities. Partnerships with foreign entities must be based on a win-win proposition and only after a careful, transparent and unbiased consideration of proposals from such entities, as well as a careful assessment of their credentials.
On specific energy source options, the panel recommends increased exploration for gas, a much greater attention to the rural sector including the use of modern cook stoves and a significant increase in research and utilization of modern renewable energy sources. The panel recommends that nuclear energy not to be considered at this time but that the country remains abreast of technical developments underway in developed countries to minimize the risks associated with nuclear power. The panel strongly recommends postponement of any decision to exploit coal reserves, especially by open-pit mining, until the associated adverse impacts are clearly understandable and appropriate technological, legal and institutional frameworks can be deployed to mitigate them. The panel believes that conservation and environmental safeguards should be cornerstones of policies and practices in the energy sector in Bangladesh, along with an overall emphasis on energy efficiency.
Finally, the work of this ministry is to identify a number of steps for BEN to inform a wider audience of the recommendations of the panel and help implement them.
Sobuz Ahmed (Бангладеш), Т. Б. Иванова
Российский университет дружбы народов (Москва, Россия)
Управление интеллектуальным капиталом. Материалы Международной научно-практической конференции (Екатеринбург, 27 апреля 2012 г.) Екатеринбург: Издательство Уральского государственного экономического университета, 2012.
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