Bangladesh told to generate power via coal

It's time for Bangladeshi coal.

Dr. Idris Miah, Retired Director, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, feels that the country has been using natural gas too long.

He warned that unplanned and excessive use of it decreased its total reserve and in near future it may finish unless new reserves discover.

Among the other alternative energy sources, he says coal is the vital. Since a reserve of high quality coal has was discovered, he urged Bangladesh to concentrate full attention to extract coal, not for export, but for electricity generation.

Bangladeshi coal is of high quality bituminous. Its fixed carbon, sulfur and moisture content are within normal limit and suitable for environment. Ash produced after coal burning is also within limit. Except a little part of Barapukuria, expected level of coal mining is not yet started in Bangladesh.

The demand of coal in Bangladesh is significant at present. Production of Barapukuria mine is being used in Barapukuria power plant. A small portion of it is supplying to the local market. Among the other users, brickfield owners are the main. Of course, imported low quality lignite coal is the common fuel for

brickfields. But possibility of increase coal demand is very much bright. Presently, the country is suffering from energy crisis or more precisely electricity crisis.

In Bangladesh fossil fuel especially natural gas is the main energy source. Natural gas is being used to generate less than 700% of electricity of the country.

"Fortunately, we have high quality bituminous coal. As the quality of this coal is suitable for electricity generation and the quantity is sufficient, so establishment of coal based power plant will be a very good solution of present time electricity demand. Under these circumstances, coal extraction and establishment of coal based power station is the demand of time," he said.

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