Local and imported coal-mix for coal-based power plants in Bangladesh

In the Power Sector Master Plan, a plan has outlined to generate 5,400 (19,200) MW electricity from coal-based power plants by 2021 (2030) to provide affordable electricity in Bangladesh using local coal together with imported coal. In the current context, policy makers depend on imported coal-based power plants instead of extraction of proven reserves from local coal mines. The paper performs a comparative analysis between local and imported coal in terms of different assessment criteria to search for an economically viable option for coal-fired power plants. Considering the constraints related to coal import, recent policy decision required further revision to set the strategy to use efficient local-imported coal-mix. In this regard, integrated strategy for electricity generation-mix, coal import strategy, and all-inclusive coal policy would be a decisive policy imperative that confronts the coal-mix dilemma with the efficient use of local and imported coal to meet ever-growing power demand.