Maheshkhali Island, located in the Bay of Bengal, is set to become a vital energy mega hub by 2027. The government plans to establish power plants and an LNG terminal, driving economic growth and self-sufficiency in power and fuel. The Matarbari deep-sea port in Moheshkhali upazila is also being transformed into a logistics, energy, and manufacturing center, contributing significantly to the region’s expansion.
The Moheshkhali-Matarbari area is undergoing extensive development, including two power plants, five terminals for LNG and LPG, an oil storage and refinery, and a 220-kilometer pipeline designed to offload fuel oil from the sea. The power plant is expected to commence operations in 2024, with 58% of the project already completed. The region holds immense potential to attract foreign direct investment, provided sufficient port facilities and road connectivity are established.
Elevated 14 meters above sea level and spanning 1,604 acres, Maheshkhali Island provides an ideal canvas for this vision. The envisioned hub will include a 14-kilometer sea canal, two jetties, an imported power plant, oil storage facilities, and a liquefied natural gas terminal. 37 projects are currently in progress on the island, including solar power plants and other initiatives.
Bangladesh is actively working towards increasing its reliance on renewable energy to reach 40% by 2041. Maheskhali Island is poised to play a key role in this endeavor, generating 13,560MW of power. This ambitious initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 89.47 million tonnes by 2030, emphasizing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation practices.
The Maheshkhali energy hub in Bangladesh is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing energy transportation and fostering sustainability and socio-economic development. The first of its kind in the country, the pipeline reduces the time required for petroleum product transfer from tankers to refineries, resulting in annual cost savings of Tk800 crore. The successful trial of unloading crude oil from tankers to floating moorings and pumping it through a 16km pipeline marks a significant milestone, laying the groundwork for future aspirations of extending the pipeline to the Eastern Refinery depot. The hub also aims to bolster energy security by diversifying energy sources and achieving self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on imports and solidifying Bangladesh’s standing in the global energy arena.
The transformation of Maheshkhali Island into an energy mega hub signifies a bold step towards a more secure future for Bangladesh’s energy needs. The government plans to diversify its energy sources, leveraging the island’s strategic location and abundant resources, to reduce reliance on expensive imports and achieve energy sovereignty. This will shield the country from global energy market fluctuations and enhance its resilience against external energy shocks, ultimately leading to a more stable and self-sufficient economy.
The energy hub project in Moheshkhali, Bangladesh, is expected to drive economic growth and development across multiple sectors. The establishment of power plants, LNG terminals, and oil storage facilities will generate diverse job opportunities, fostering prosperity at both local and regional levels. Three Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are slated for development, and non-governmental organizations will oversee the establishment of food warehouses in the area.
The project’s scope attracts foreign investors and fosters international partnerships, contributing to Bangladesh’s energy sector’s advancement. Moheshkhali will become the central hub for imported petroleum, hosting numerous LNG ports and one dedicated to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
A pipeline will transport imported oil from a hub to Chattogram and Dhaka, demonstrating Bangladesh’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The integration of sustainable energy solutions, particularly solar power plants, will contribute to global initiatives to combat climate change and create a sustainable future.
The Maheshkhali energy hub project places a significant emphasis on sustainability and socio-economic development, directly influencing the lives of local communities. With annual savings of at least Tk 800 crore, the project is financially prudent and has the potential to elevate the standard of living for residents and neighboring regions.
Bangladesh is transforming Maheshkhali Island into an energy mega hub, marking a significant step towards energy security, sustainable development, and socio-economic prosperity. The government’s vision includes the construction of railways and roadways to facilitate product transportation to and from the deep seaport. Two terminals, 300 and 460 meters in length, will be built at the deep seaport, streamlining direct product transportation from large vessels.
The initial phase is expected to finish by 2026, followed by three container terminals in the subsequent phase. Bangladesh is poised to become a regional pioneer, leveraging its energy sovereignty to steer towards a more resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future. The realization of Maheshkhali Island’s energy mega hub vision signifies the nation’s commitment to energy self-reliance, sustainable growth, and a brighter future for its citizens.
