Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured researchers of government support for developing technology to produce fuel oil from human waste, sewage, kitchen waste and agricultural residues, potentially reducing Bangladesh’s dependence on imported crude oil.
The prime minister gave the assurance after viewing a demonstration by Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Professor Dr Md Khalekuzzaman at his Tejgaon office recently.
KUET researchers have spent nearly a decade developing the technology using Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL). Laboratory tests have produced biocrude at a yield of 50–55%, and the team has also developed diesel-rich biocrude.
The next step is to establish a pilot plant capable of processing one to three tonnes of waste daily. Estimated to cost Tk 100–120 crore, the facility will assess production efficiency, costs and commercial viability.
