''Deep-sea gas exploration has the potential to greatly strengthen the energy sector, according to Hamid''

 

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, announced that he aims to ensure constant provision of gas to consumers by the year 2026. On Tuesday January 16, while speaking to the media, a statement was made about the possibilities, difficulties, and progress in the electricity and fuel sectors.

 

After successfully reaching the target of ensuring electricity access for all, the State Minister highlighted the government's current objective of delivering uninterrupted electricity and gas services by 2026. He emphasized that Bangladesh currently brings in 20 percent of its gas, using 80 percent from domestic sources, with no immediate intentions to augment imports.

 

Deep-sea gas exploration has the potential to greatly strengthen the energy sector, according to Hamid. He admitted the current difficulties, specifically the continuing gas scarcity and dependence on a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). Hamid promised that the present gas shortage is only transitory, in part because of the lower pressure seen during harsh winters.

 

The FSRU is scheduled to be operationalized shortly, adding 400 mmcf of gas to the system. Furthermore, an additional Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) is scheduled for refurbishment, with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted provision of gas commencing in March of next year. The minister disclosed intentions to add two more FSRUs in the vicinity of 2026 and 2027 in order to supply the projected 6,000 MMCF of gas in 2027.

 

According to the state minister, 'The majority of drilled wells have found gas, which gives hope for domestic gas exploration'. He also highlighted the Bhola to Barishal gas pipeline as a major focus, with operations starting this year. The existing CNG-supplied gas from Bhola is anticipated to rise and become completely operational by the middle of March of the following year.

 

The minister anticipates significant gas findings in the Bibiyana gas field. Within the next five years, the primary goal is to excavate approximately 46 boreholes, followed by an additional 100 boreholes subsequently. Between 2024 and 2025, it is expected that this investigation will contribute 500 million cubic feet of gas from sources within the country.