The government has set a target to ensure electricity for all within the next one year.
"Currently, the country's power generation capacity has increased to 21,169 megawatts (MW). We have succeeded in providing access to electricity to approximately 93 percent of the total population," said Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal in his budget speech.
A total of 53 power plants, having the capacity to generate 14,202 MW of electricity, are underway.
Besides, signing of contracts for setting up 18 new power plants with the capacity to produce 5,801 MW of electricity is also in progress.
Tender invitation for seven power plants with the capacity of 1,410 MW is in process, he also said.
There are plans to establish 17 power plants with the capacity to generate 19,650 MW of electricity in the near future.
Some mega projects are being implemented at Paira, Moheshkhali and Matarbari, classifying these areas as power hubs, Mr Kamal added.
"We've selected these areas considering land availability, transport facilities and load centres. The 38 mega projects that are worth mentionable include 1,320-MW Maitree Super Critical Thermal Power Plant at Rampal, 1,200-MW Ultra Super Critical Coal Project at Matarbari, and 1,320-MW Thermal Power Plant Project at Payra."
Steps have been taken to establish 10,000-MW coal-based power plants at Moheshkhali through joint investment.
The government has set a target to cut fuel use by 15 per cent and 20 per cent by 2021 and 2030 respectively through efficient use of power and energy.
The finance minister has proposed an allocation of Tk 280.51 billion for the Power Division and the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in the upcoming fiscal year (FY), 2019-20, which was Tk 265.02 billion in FY 19.
Azizjst@yahoo.com