Energy projects: pros and cons
An interesting front page report on the subject was published in a local daily on 2nd. January which set a pessimistic tone on the subject. However, despite delays and disappointments, the government's attitude and approach has been reasonably positive and pragmatic.
The problem we face is local energy availability in terms of coal and natural gas. Apart from open pit coal mining, the coal gasification based power plant needs to be speedily taken in hand. Natural gas exploration must go ahead without further loss of time. Drilling for gas at potential areas should be taken up expeditiously. Though exploration for gas is a high risk area; finance wise, we have no option but to face it and take risks. For off-shore drilling, we have to sort out the boundary demarcation disputes with the countries concerned, through international mediation if necessary. This is of course a slow process and could take may be five years or so, but we have no option! Meanwhile, the promising gas prospects at Bhola, should be drilled soonest.
Importing LNG, apart from high import costs, also needs initial large capital investment, for receiving the LNG cargo. The Middle East countries are shy on this, as reported in the dailies. They probably are pondering over about tying up such a proposal with a long term quantities of LNG import. This may be the reason behind the delay in their response.
Let's keep our fingers crossed on LNG, and hope for the best, while we go ahead with the development of local coal and gas prospects, the sooner the better!
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments