Bangladesh Plans Tk 3,600cr Push for Energy Security

Bangladesh is set to strengthen its energy security and expand electricity access through a series of government-funded projects worth more than Tk 3,600 crore, aimed at boosting gas exploration, renewable energy and institutional capacity.

Officials said the proposed initiatives have been designed to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity and fuel amid rapid industrialisation, urban expansion and rising economic activity.

The projects focus on increasing domestic gas production, reducing dependence on imported fuel, expanding electricity access to remote areas and strengthening energy sector institutions.

A major renewable energy initiative under the power generation sub-sector seeks to expand electricity access in remote parts of the Chattogram Hill Tracts through solar energy.

The project, titled Electricity Supply through Installation of Solar Panels in Remote Areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts (3rd Phase), has been proposed by the Chattogram Hill Tracts Development Board under the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

Estimated to cost Tk 655.30 crore, the project is scheduled for implementation between July 2026 and June 2031. Officials said it aims to deliver clean and reliable electricity to off-grid communities where conventional power connections remain difficult and costly.

Energy experts said wider solar coverage in remote areas could improve livelihoods, education, healthcare and economic activity while supporting Bangladesh’s renewable energy goals.

In the energy and mineral resources sector, seven projects have been proposed to strengthen domestic gas exploration and improve institutional and geological capabilities.

The largest share of investment will go to gas exploration and development under Petrobangla as the government intensifies efforts to increase local gas production to meet rising demand from industries, power plants and households.

One proposal includes drilling two appraisal-cum-development wells — Titas-32 and Titas-33 — in the Titas gas field at a cost of Tk 632 crore between January 2026 and December 2028.

Another project involves drilling one appraisal-cum-development well, Begumganj-5, alongside two exploration wells — Begumganj-6 and Sunetra-2 — at an estimated cost of Tk 731.24 crore.

Petrobangla has also proposed drilling five wells in Bhola — Shahbazpur-9, Shahbazpur-10, Bhola North-5, Bhola North-6 and Bhola North-7 — involving an investment of Tk 1,242.41 crore from April 2026 to March 2029.

Additionally, a proposal has been made to drill three more appraisal-cum-development wells — Titas-34, Titas-35 and Titas-36 — at a cost of Tk 95 crore between January 2027 and December 2029.

Energy officials said increasing domestic gas output has become a priority to ease reliance on costly imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ensure stable fuel supplies for industries and electricity generation.

Bangladesh’s energy demand has risen steadily due to economic growth, industrial expansion and increasing urban consumption, while declining output from mature gas fields has led to greater dependence on LNG imports.

Officials said fresh gas discoveries and improved production from existing fields are essential for maintaining long-term energy security and stabilising electricity generation costs.

To strengthen institutional capacity, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has proposed a Tk 165.79 crore project aimed at enhancing research, training and technical expertise in the petroleum sector between January 2026 and December 2029.

Meanwhile, the Department of Explosives has proposed an Tk 83.01 crore initiative to build its central office and improve operational capacity.

The Geological Survey of Bangladesh has also proposed a Tk 49.37 crore technical project for integrated geological, geo-engineering and geochemical mapping in Sylhet Division from July 2026 to June 2029.

Experts said advanced geological mapping would support future energy and mineral exploration while improving long-term planning through better data.

Officials said the projects reflect a broader strategy to diversify energy sources, expand renewable power, boost domestic gas production and strengthen institutions to ensure sustainable energy security.