3rd floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) before 2028: Mahdi

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin disclosed the plans while briefing journalists after a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and leaders of business organisations on Monday.

He said detailed discussions were held on power, gas, energy and mineral resources sectors at the meeting.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit made a PowerPoint presentation outlining the government’s two-, five- and 10-year plans for the power and gas sectors, Mahdi said.

“Currently, we have to depend on two floating storage regasification units, and one of them had remained out of operation for a long time,” he said, adding that the current government is not only repairing it but is also working on an effective plan to increase the number of FSRUs in the coming days – initially to three and then by adding two more to make it five.

Efforts are being made to bring the third FSRU into operation before the beginning of 2028, which will help resolve the gas problem, the adviser said.

Around 150 gas wells are currently in the process of being drilled as part of the medium-term plan, he said. “The state minister also presented how the process of drilling around 150 gas wells is underway in the medium term. After this is completed, initiatives will be taken to drill another 150 wells,” he said.

Mahdi said, “We are not only setting up FSRUs; the government is also taking multiple initiatives to establish land-based LNG terminals and develop gas pipeline networks.”

Outlining the plans for the power sector, he said, “In the power sector, a comprehensive generation system based on oil, gas and coal was presented, with the aim of ensuring self-sufficiency in electricity. At the same time, special priority is being given to solar energy. In the coming days, we want to diversify our power sector and become self-sufficient in energy resources while giving the highest priority to solar energy.”

“The top leaders of 21 business associations and apex bodies, as well as some familiar faces from the media, shared their views on various issues,” the PMO spokesperson said.

Highlighting the role of the business community, he said, “Our business leaders, whose taxes, labour and capital underpin industrialisation and economic progress in the country, are particularly important. The Prime Minister has said that we want policy support to be provided from the public sector, while the private sector will implement those policies. Together, the public sector, private sector, government and business community will work shoulder to shoulder to take the country forward, reports UNB.

Acknowledging that there are many accumulated problems, Mahdi said, “It may not be possible to fully resolve them in a day, a month or a year. However, the government has the highest level of commitment and sincerity, and the Prime Minister has specific plans. Those plans were presented today for the power and energy sectors.”

He said, “Business leaders raised some of their problems, and the government believes that every problem can open the door to a new opportunity. With this in mind, the government will work to further strengthen cooperation with all business leaders, their associations and apex bodies. These consultation meetings will continue to be held regularly in the coming days.”