Use 2.5b tonne coal for energy security

Recommends UNDP-Bangladesh report
Sharier Khan
A UNDP-Bangladesh report recommends increasing the use of coal resources to avert a deep energy crisis that would affect economic growth in near future."The estimated resources of 2.5 billion tonnes of coal in Bangladesh are equivalent to 65 trillion cubic feet of gas which could assure energy security in the medium and long-term," says the report titled "Sustainable Energy Development in Bangladesh -- Coal as an alternative energy resource.""More extensive exploration in northwest Bangladesh could augment the coal resource base significantly," it adds, urging the government to approve both the draft coal policy and investment for exploration of coal through geophysical surveys and 3-D modelling.But the way forward with coal has to deal with both technical geological issues as well as resistance from the civil society, says the report prepared by Ajoy K Ghose and Chowdhury Quamruzzaman. The nation has to overcome its inaction and the "not-in-my-backyard" attitude regarding coal, it observes."With access to world best practices in environmental technology for reducing ecological footprint and supported by political will, the road blocks should not be insurmountable and coal could provide the much-needed energy security for the nation," says the report finalised last month."Where coal cannot be physically extracted, recovery of coal bed methane and underground coal gasification deserve to be considered as energy options," the report recommends.The report briefly reviews the five coal deposits of Jamalganj, Barapukuria, Phulbari, Dighipara and Khalaspir and observes that in all cases, there are some common issues -- high population density, rich agricultural land, pristine environment and a near-moribund economy.It notes that Bangladesh's population is set to grow to 180 million in 2025. The nation needs to sustain a 7.8 percent economic growth to eradicate poverty and meet the economic and human development goals. The energy challenge is thus fundamental. The nation has a per capita electricity consumption of about 167 kWh per year, probably one of the lowest in the world. The inventory of energy resources is not substantial and natural gas resources are fast depleting in absence of any new major discoveries in recent past. The report recommends an agenda for actions for the government including giving a "go ahead" of the Phulbari project that has a proven reserve of 572 million tonnes coal."The government has to initiate steps for speedy acquisition of land [for Phulbari], launch advertisement advocacy for assuaging the sentiments of project affected people so that the development and execution of the project could be facilitated. Phulbari is the crown jewel in coal inventory of Bangladesh and its development would help transform the economy of the nation," it says.On Barapukuria underground mine, it says, "Review and reconsideration of the mining strategy at Barapukuria coalmine where underground mining by multiple slice long wall from roof downward is destined to lead huge losses of coal reserves. The feasibility of changeover to open-cut mining also needs to be studied in depth."Barapukuria has a reserve of 390 million tonnes, but its underground mining method will recover only 10 percent coal in 30 years.The report suggests promoting development of coal deposits at Khalaspir and Dighipara, either in the private or joint sector. "Appraisal of coal bed methane resources at Jamalganj needs to be conducted on priority basis. If CBM resources are not promising, a pilot plant trial/ demonstration of underground coal gasification at Jamalganj needs to be undertaken," it adds.The report also suggests initiating a mining degree programme at Buet or Ruet to bridge the critical gap in manpower for coal development. Simultaneously, an industrial training institute should be set up to meet the need of supervisory manpower in coalmines.Jamalganj coal deposit was discovered in 1962 at a depth ranging between 640 metres to 1,158 metres with a proven reserve of 1,053 million tonnes. Only 10 wells have been drilled for this deep coal zone.Phulbari deposit discovered in 1997 has been thoroughly studied by Asia Energy through drilling 108 wells. It has 572 million tonnes coal at a depth of 150 metres to 240 metres.Discovered in 1985, Barapukuria deposit has proven 303 million tonnes and proven and probable 390 million tonnes coal at depth ranging between 118 metres and 509 metres. Thirty-one wells were drilled in this zone for understanding the deposit. The mine started commercial operation two years ago -- eight years behind schedule.Khalaspir zone was discovered in 1989, and its exploration licence was secretly awarded in 2003 by the past four-party alliance government to Moazzem Hossain of Hosaf Group who is now wanted in an anti-corruption case. In total, 14 wells were drilled and coal was found at a depth of 257 to 483 metres. The proven reserve is 143 million tonnes, while the proven-probable reserve is 685 million tonnes.Discovered in 1994, Dighipara zone has been awarded to Petrobangla for exploration. Only five wells were drilled and coal was found at a depth of 328-407 metres with a proven reserve of 150 million tonnes and a proven-probable reserve of 600 million tonnes.
Source: The Daily Star, Dhaka, 01 June 2008 http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=39177