part 1: overview of cogeneration and its status in asia - Fire

Summary of country study – Bangladesh 132
the least cost compared to other sources mentioned above, whereas the long-term
perspective of alternative energy sources contributing to meet the power demand needs to
be further studied.
Hydropower
Hydropower potential is still quite low in Bangladesh, because rivers are mostly on flat
surfaces with low gradients. Presently, the only hydroelectric plant in the country (Karnafuli)
has a capacity to produce 230 MW of electricity. There is a potential to produce 250 MW of
power at Sangu and Matamuhuri river, though the cost of new storage is very high; such
projects are not encouraged by the government considering their adverse environmental and
social impacts. Fifteen prospective sites have been identified as having potential for on-site
small hydropower generation.
Solar
Solar power utilization is being accepted gradually, but its slow progress is due to high initial
cost, low daily operation time, and lower output level. Bangladesh is ideally located for
tapping solar energy effectively (3 - 6 kWh/m 2 per day). Solar energy has been used in
Bangladesh for drying crops and fishes since many decades. Bangladesh Atomic Energy
Commission (BAEC) has commissioned pilot project for beacon lighting, refrigeration for
vaccines storage, and water pumping. The Rural Electrification Board (REB) has introduced
solar photovoltaic electricity in Narsingdi District. Government has waved duty and taxes on
solar and other renewable energy applications to encourage both public and private sectors.
Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology, Bangladesh Centre for Scientific and
Industrial Research, Dhaka University and a few other organizations are continuing efforts to
improve solar utilities in Bangladesh.
Biomass and biogas
Most of the rural people are fully dependent on biomass energy for their daily energy needs.
It is estimated that as much as 70 per cent of total energy requirement in Bangladesh is met
by biomass. Different forms of biomass-use include rice husk (26 per cent), cow dung (19
per cent), rice straw (16 per cent), twigs and leaves (14 per cent), badges (7 per cent), fuel
wood (5 per cent), and jute sticks (4 per cent). Because of the high rate of biomass use at
present, there is serious concern about preservation of limited forests in the country and
striking a balance between ecological, social and environmental needs.
About 400 biogas plants have already been installed in different parts of the country. Limited
success has resulted from high capital cost, insufficient supply of raw material and lack of
maintenance support.
3.1.2 Status and future prospect of electricity demand and supply
BPDB with its meagre per capita generated capacity and limited coverage area had been
serving its consumers fairly satisfactorily until 1990, after which the reserve margin fell,
ultimately reaching a very low level in 1994. Though the 1985 Power System Master Plan
Study called for addition of new generation to keep in pace with load growth, due to the
unsatisfactory commercial operation, international donors virtually suspended all new
lending to BPDB from 1990. On the other hand many of the power stations have outlived
their economic life while some others are not functioning due to lack of timely maintenance.
The problem was further aggravated with the gas supply constraint. There was a shortfall of
about 300-450 MW during the summer of 1997, resulting in severe load shedding during
peak hours. Real improvement of gas situation is expected when Sangu gas field will go in
operation along with salna. Overall power supply situation is now gradually improving with
the implementation of rehabilitation programme of old power stations. A number of private
and public sponsored power plants are coming up to overcome the crisis.