Chattagram Region may face a carbon catastrophe
Many of Bangladesh proposed large coal and gas-based power projects built in Cox’s Bazar, Chattagram region. According to a research report, the world’s most significant carbon catastrophe could occur in the area if the projects are launched.
The report claims that if the proposed plants go into production, they will emit 1.38 billion tons of carbon dioxide during its term, which is equivalent to Bangladesh’s national emissions for more than five years.
The Market environment , an Australian environmental organization, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), and Waterkeepers Bangladesh have recently released the report at a press conference at the National Press Club, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Julian Vincent, Executive Director, Market Forces, Australia, presented the keynote address of the report titled ‘Energy Planning in Chattagram Region: Possible Carbon Disaster’ from Australia.
According to the report, plans are afoot to generate 20 gigawatts of coal and gas-fired power in Cox’s Bazar this decade. Of these, 18.7-gigawatt LNG-based power plants. Besides, a coal-fired power plant sets up at Matarbari.
Since the projects are LNG and coal-based, they are harmful to the environment. Suppose the proposed plan is implemented, two-thirds of Bangladesh’s total fossil fuel will burn in Cox’s Bazar, which will have a devastating effect on the climate.
As these projects will adversely affect the life and nature of Chattagram Region, they will also bring catastrophic disaster to the livelihood and health of the local people.
The report alleges that the massive expansion of the fossil fuel project is being built and financed mainly by Japanese and US companies. Japan has broken its Group of Seven(G-7) summit pledge by funding the Matarbari-2 coal-fired power project.
The Matarbari-2 power plant, with 1,200 MW, has been identified as the most harmful. Japanese companies are financing the project the most.
The report alleges that the country, as the principal financier, is “directly violating” its commitments. Wealthy countries like Japan and the United States should help Bangladesh meet its electricity needs through affordable, clean, and environmentally friendly technologies without polluting the environment.
The report claims, The Matarbari-1 power plant has already caused extensive damage to local water bodies. Ordinary people was evicted from their homes for the construction of power plants.
At the same time, they have lost their livelihood. It fears that pollution from the two power plants in Matarbari could lead to the untimely death of about 6,700 people if it builds.”
Mentioning that massive coal and gas-fired power generation would bring down the ‘financial risk’ in Bangladesh, the report said that by 2030, the annual cost of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) would increase to about $8.4 billion.
The power plant will cost an average of $960 million per gigawatt of LNG. As a result, the country’s economy will depend on higher-priced imported fuel.
