A Proposal for Introduction of Geothermal Energy to the Energy Sector of Bangladesh

Due to the rapid industrialization over the last two decades, Bangladesh has witnessed a high demand for uninterrupted electricity, which keeps on increasing every day. With the power sector in Bangladesh beset by many infrastructural problems such as an inefficient transmission system, overdependence on natural gas reserves and a cumbersome decision making process for expansion of current power system to name a few, it has become the imperative to seek new energy sources that are relatively cheap, quick to set up and operate and have a low overall loss. The current energy demand stands at around 5,500 MW against a backdrop of an average supply of 3,800 MW. This demand rises to 6,000 MW in the harvesting and irrigation season. In this regard, geothermal energy can be a viable and useful alternative and this paper proposes the prospects of its introduction to the power sector of Bangladesh. Geothermal power systems produce no polluting emissions, can be set up utilizing local resources and are relatively inexpensive compared to solar, wind or hydropower plants. In this paper, a study is presented that shows the suitable locations in Bangladesh where geothermal power plants can be set up easily. A total of approximately 1000 MW can be added into the energy grid of Bangladesh through geothermal power systems. Therefore, it poses both a short term solution and assists in long term planning for expansion of the power system in Bangladesh.