Seminar on sustainable energy future

Create local professionals to run power, energy sector

Energy experts at a seminar in Dhaka yesterday urged the government to put more emphasis on the development of human resources, apply more appropriate technologies and introduce conservation and efficiency mechanism for ensuring sustainable energy in the country, reports UNB.

"Capacity-building has been a big issue and that has to be focused for a secure future of the sustainable energy," eminent energy expert Dr M Tamim said in his keynote presentation at the seminar titled: "Sustainable Energy Future" organised by the Energy and Power magazine at Bidyut Bhaban.

He said there is huge scope for conserving energy and enhancing energy efficiency in the power and energy sector.

Observing that most of the power plants in the public sector are not efficient enough, he urged the government to promote 3R method -- recycle, reuse and reduce -- in the energy sector. "A massive public awareness campaign is needed to promote the method," he said.

Dr Tamim, head of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (Buet), expressed his stance against any kind of subsidy in the energy sector, saying it works as a barrier to making things efficient. "Subsidy distorts the tariff setting process," he said.

About sustainable energy, he said all renewable energies are not sustainable or applicable for Bangladesh. "There's no prospect for wind and biomass energy for Bangladesh. But rooftop solar and solar irrigation pumps have a vast prospect. The government should take initiative to exploit its potential,"

 The energy expert suggested introducing 'feed-in tariff' system for promoting solar energy in the country.

Engineer Khondakar Abdus Saleque Sufi in his keynote presentation on "Capacity Development and Challenges" said although the government has been taking many mega projects in the power and energy sector, there is no proper initiative to create super managers to implement and run those. "As a result, the country will remain dependent on foreign managers to operate the projects," he said. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power and Energy Ministry Tajul Islam said the government has been proceeding with a vision to resolve the country's energy crisis.

Former PDB Chairman Abdul Mayeed said the government should encourage the private sector to invest in power transmission and distribution as well.

Mentioning that the private sector is the government's development partner in the power and energy sector, EnergyPac Director Rezwanul Kabeer said local companies' involvement should be encouraged in the project implementation.

 Chairman of Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh Arun Karmaker said the government is not putting adequate efforts for exploration of oil and gas across the country although different studies indicate a good prospect in this regard.

Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain also spoke at the seminar conducted by Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad.

Seminar on sustainable energy future

Create local professionals to run power, energy sector

Energy experts at a seminar in Dhaka yesterday urged the government to put more emphasis on the development of human resources, apply more appropriate technologies and introduce conservation and efficiency mechanism for ensuring sustainable energy in the country, reports UNB. Capacity-building has been a big issue and that has to be focused for a secure future of the sustainable energy, eminent energy expert Dr M Tamim said in his keynote presentation at the seminar titled: Sustainable Energy Future organised by the Energy and Power magazine at Bidyut Bhaban. He said there is huge scope for conserving energy and enhancing energy efficiency in the power and energy sector. Observing that most of the power plants in the public sector are not efficient enough, he urged the government to promote 3R method -- recycle, reuse and reduce -- in the energy sector. A massive public awareness campaign is needed to promote the method, he said. Dr Tamim, head of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (Buet), expressed his stance against any kind of subsidy in the energy sector, saying it works as a barrier to making things efficient. Subsidy distorts the tariff setting process, he said. About sustainable energy, he said all renewable energies are not sustainable or applicable for Bangladesh. Theres no prospect for wind and biomass energy for Bangladesh. But rooftop solar and solar irrigation pumps have a vast prospect. The government should take initiative to exploit its potential, The energy expert suggested introducing feed-in tariff system for promoting solar energy in the country. Engineer Khondakar Abdus Saleque Sufi in his keynote presentation on Capacity Development and Challenges said although the government has been taking many mega projects in the power and energy sector, there is no proper initiative to create super managers to implement and run those. As a result, the country will remain dependent on foreign managers to operate the projects, he said. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power and Energy Ministry Tajul Islam said the government has been proceeding with a vision to resolve the countrys energy crisis. Former PDB Chairman Abdul Mayeed said the government should encourage the private sector to invest in power transmission and distribution as well. Mentioning that the private sector is the governments development partner in the power and energy sector, EnergyPac Director Rezwanul Kabeer said local companies involvement should be encouraged in the project implementation. Chairman of Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh Arun Karmaker said the government is not putting adequate efforts for exploration of oil and gas across the country although different studies indicate a good prospect in this regard. Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain also spoke at the seminar conducted by Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad.