Consultancy Services for Conducting IEE and EIA, of 3D Seismic Survey at Habiganj, Bakhrabad, and Meghna Gas Field.

Natural gas is a nonrenewable energy source, and its depletion is an unavoidable byproduct of gas extraction. Because Bangladesh’s gas exploration has not yet reached a mature level, the country’s actual petroleum potential may differ from what is currently known. The country is now undergoing a serious energy crisis, which is impeding economic growth, because of the current gas scarcity. Bangladesh’s energy and electricity industries are nearing a tipping point that will result in tremendous growth. This will represent a shift from a long-established gas-based mono-energy state to one with a diverse energy mix that includes natural gas, LNG, coal, oil, cross-border electricity, nuclear, solar, and other renewable resources. Most of the aforementioned energy will be imported, making the nation mostly dependent on foreign imports for its energy needs.

Currently, PetroBangla estimates a total demand of approximately 3500 mmscfd including liquefied natural gas and supplying approximately 3200 mmscfd. The projected gas demand in 2024 is ~3800 mmscfd with a possible supply of ~2800 mmscfd. Hence, a shortfall of 1000 mmscfd, or roughly 35% of the demand-supply deficit.

Natural gas played a vital role as the main energy source in the rapid development of Bangladesh.  At present, a total of 17 wells were drilled by PetroBangla and OGDC from 1965 to 1990 with the discovery of 8 gas fields. The estimated total gas reserve is 1.95 Tcf against 8 fields.

In these circumstances, BGFCL has planned to conduct a total of 1450 sq. km. 3D seismic survey in Habiganj, Meghna and Bakhrabad Gas Field under the exploration block 09 & 12 to develop an exploration strategy.

The consultancy services required under this project refers to the preparation of Initial Environmental Study (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report according to the requirement of the Bangladesh Government’s for the project along with obtaining Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from Department of Environment (DoE).

The delivery of the services has been divided into the following task and its sub-tasks.

Task 1: Mobilization and Inception.

► Task 1a: Documentation of Existing Environmental Conditions.

► Task 1b: Legislative and Regulatory Considerations Task 2: Detail Survey for Identification of Environmental and Social Features.

► Task 2a: Assessment of Environmental Significance of the Project Area.

► Task 2b: Environmental Quality Sampling and Testing.

► Task 2c: Assessment of Agricultural Impact.

► Task 2d: Assessment of Ecology and Impacts.

► Task 2e: Assessment of Socio-economic Status of the Project Area.

► Task 2f: Stakeholder Consultations.

• Task 3: Climate Change Resilient and Adaptation Assessment.

• Task 4: Impacts Assessment and Development of Mitigation Measures.

• Task 5: Analysis of Alternatives to the Proposed Project.

• Task 6: Establish an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

• Task 7: Preparation of IEE Report and Submission.