Alternative power sources
In this connection the undersigned had an informal and interesting discussion with our state minister of power at a private occasion. I believe that the minister may, in the interest of short term solution of power shortage in urban areas, particularly during maximum demand periods in the evenings, look into the following potential sources of power generation at comparatively lower cost options.
a) Utilising potential power available from existing stand-by generators and UPS sources at large public utility buildings to start with.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. b) Power generating from municipal waste.
c) Power generating from gas transmission pressure reducing stations.
All these options involve relatively smaller capital investment and comparatively lower operating costs, particularly the last one. There is no need for any fuel to be burnt. The process is based on converting available pressure energy to power through expansion turbines or expansion engines.
All these are known and practised technologies in many countries. It is high time that we explore and utilise these advantageous options without further delay in the overall interest of Bangladesh.