Bangladesh to develop coal as alternative domestic energy source

DHAKA, BANGLADESH - The Bangladeshi government has crafted a draft coal policy aiming to develop coal as an alternative source of domestic energy in the foreseeable future, thus reducing pressure on the use of natural gas.

With the latest discovery of coal fields in the country's northwestern part, the draft policy - first of its kind in the country - also suggests jacking up the coal-fired power generation for ensuring the energy security.

The policy, drafted by a team of local experts, recommends the immediate declaration of a coal zone in northern Bangladesh, saying it has the potential to become the "power house."

"In a bid to ensure energy security, coal should be developed as an alternative source of domestic energy for reducing the growing pressure on natural gas and reliance on imported oil for power generation," the daily quoted the draft policy as saying.

Energy experts say that many countries around the world generate electricity - ranging from 40 percent and 60 percent - using coal as the prime source.

The policy recommends Bangladesh go for coal production target of 10 million to 15 million tons a year and set the coal-fired generation target between 1,000 and 1,500 MW over the next decade.

It also recommends that the production target should be jacked up by 30 million tons per annum within a period of 20 years.