Download Link for Energy & Power Vol 22 Issue 15 (Jnauary 16, 2025) as PDF/userfiles/EP_22_15.pdf

As another scorching summer approaches, Bangladesh is on the brink of yet another power crisis. Households, businesses, and industries are all bracing for prolonged power cuts, knowing that the electricity demand could reach an overwhelming 18,000MW. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) can produce 27,820MW on paper, but in reality, fuel shortages and financial constraints make this number largely theoretical. For years, Bangladesh has relied heavily on imported fuel to keep the lights on. But with mounting unpaid bills and an ongoing dollar shortage, this dependence has become a costly burden. Petrobangla struggles to supply enough gas, coal plants are waiting on overdue payments, and private power producers are warning that their plants cannot generate power without immediate clearance of dues. Meanwhile, Adani Power’s supply from India hangs in the balance, contingent on settling outstanding debts. The hard truth is that planned load-shedding is inevitable. Instead of scrambling when power shortages hit, we must prepare now. That means prioritizing funds and ensuring efficient use of fuel. Short-term fixes, however, will not solve the underlying issue. The government must invest in domestic energy sources, expand LNG import capacity, and fast-track overdue reforms in the power sector.

This summer will not be easy, but it can be a turning point. If we take the right steps—accepting short-term sacrifices while planning for a sustainable future—Bangladesh can emerge stronger. The time to act is now before another year of crisis becomes just another statistic

For E-Book:  enp.tiny.us/Jan16Y25