DHAKA: Bangladesh joined 74 countries in signing the Energy Charter in The Hague recently with the expectation to attain sustainable energy development, improving energy security and maximizing the efficiency of production, conversion, transport, distribution.

According to a press release issued by External Publicity Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Ambassador to Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal signed the charter on behalf of Bangladesh Government during the Ministerial Conference on the International Energy.

The Charter emphasizes working towards access to energy for citizens in emerging and developing economies.

During his statement on the Conference, Bangladesh Ambassador congratulated the Energy Charter Secretariat for organizing the global conference and also sought global cooperation for Bangladesh’s quest for middle income country by 2021.

The envoy informed the conference that Bangladesh is working towards production of 24,000MW of electricity by 2021 which will be increased to 40,000MW by 2030.

While 50 percent production will come from coal, using ultra super critical technology, Bangladesh also wishes to add a significant part of this production from renewable energy sources, he added.

Accordingly, Bangladesh mulls investment to the tune of 10 billion USD in next three years and another eight billion dollars in the following seven years, said the press release issued on Thursday.

 

In order to meet her growing energy need, Bangladesh is also working with her neighbouring countries in establishing a regional energy network through regional cooperation frameworks like SAARC, SASEC, BIMSTEC etc, he added.

Earlier, Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Henk Kamp inaugurated the International Energy Charter in a local hotel.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Bert Koenders also spoke during the inauguration ceremony.

The Energy Charter, it is believed, will bring greater cooperation among the producers as well as consumers while emphasizing more on sustainable energy development through innovations.

BDST: 1636 HRS, MAY 28, 2015
SR/RS/SMS