US to support energy sector projects

US Ambassador in Dhaka James F Moriarty yesterday said his country would continue to provide support for the energy sector of Bangladesh, both technically and financially, in future.
“To achieve the Vision 2021, especially in the energy and power sector, the US will provide technology and funds for new projects,” Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi, adviser to prime minister for energy, told newsmen at secretariat office.
Both Tawfiq and Moriarty briefed the newsmen after the meeting.
Tawfiq said the government is thinking to adopt a massive plan that will support the Vision 2021 of the energy sector where renewable energy and its diversification and consumption, and efficient management of energy and cross-border energy trade will get priority to address the nagging power and energy crisis.
Moriarty said, “To explore the idea of the cross-border energy trading, a USAID project 'South Asian Regional Initiative (SARI) programme' can be activated again through which Bangladesh can get benefit from the energy sector. The US can provide technical and financial supports in this regard.”
Addressing some recent steps taken by the government to mitigate the power and energy crisis, Tawfiq said, “We could add some 500-700MW power to the national grid from the new projects by December.”
The adviser asked for more US investment in the energy sector.
Tawfiq said he informed Moriarty of disputes over the coal extraction method between the open pit and the underground method. The parliamentary standing committee will take the decision on the coal issue.