Bangladesh’s energy sector is heavily reliant on imports. The country has been importing LNG from Qatar and Oman to meet its huge demand for the fuel. Also it’s been grappling with power cuts resulting from shortage of fuel in recent times.
UAE Industry and Advanced Technology Minister, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber went to Dhaka last week, and discussions were held with Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet members.
Revealing the outcome of discussions to Arab News, Hasina’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim said, “Our prime minister requested them to come up with investments in the energy sector, and the UAE minister spoke very positively on this issue. The UAE is interested in building energy cooperation with Bangladesh in both conventional and non-conventional energy sectors. It will help Bangladesh in addressing the energy crisis.”
Bangladesh is keen on exploring the potential of UAE projects to boost the country’s power generation. PetroBangla is further eyeing on the possibility of sourcing liquid hydrocarbons from the UAE to alleviate the energy shortage immediately.
As a major oil producer, UAE is expanding the use of clean energy and investing in infrastructure for electric vehicles, solar plants, producing low-emission hydrogen fuel and other projects to support the energy development goals. Bangladesh on its part, is looking at tapping into the know-how, expertise and financing for producing clean energy from the UAE.
Two delegates from the UAE will be visiting Bangladesh in the next few weeks to take the discussions further and explore opportunities.
