Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured researchers of government support for an innovative project to produce fuel oil from human waste, sewage, kitchen waste and agricultural residues, a technology that could help reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported crude oil.
The prime minister gave the assurance while witnessing a demonstration of the technology at his office in Tejgaon. The demonstration was presented by project researcher and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Professor Dr Md Khalekuzzaman, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).
During the programme, Khalekuzzaman briefed the prime minister on the research progress and prospects for commercial production using Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) technology. The process converts waste materials into organic crude oil, commonly known as biocrude.
The researchers said nearly a decade of work had yielded promising laboratory results, with biocrude production rates of 50 to 55 percent. They have also made progress in producing diesel-rich biocrude.
The next step is to establish a pilot plant capable of processing one to three tonnes of waste daily. The facility would help assess the technology’s effectiveness, production costs and commercial viability. The estimated cost of the pilot project is Tk 100 crore to Tk 120 crore.
According to the researchers, successful commercialisation and large-scale application could eventually replace around 10 to 15 percent of Bangladesh’s imported crude oil. They estimated that this could save Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore in foreign exchange annually, although the potential benefits would depend on further technical and economic assessments.
The initiative could also improve waste management, reduce environmental pollution, strengthen energy security and create opportunities for developing a domestic fuel industry.
After reviewing the demonstration and the project’s potential, Tarique Rahman assured the researchers of necessary government support for its implementation.
Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, University Grants Commission member for Public Management Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Masud and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman Dr Md Rafiqul Islam were present.
The proposed pilot plant will be a crucial step in determining whether the technology can be scaled up economically and contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s long-term energy needs.
