Bangladesh’s urban centers, including Dhaka and Narayanganj, are struggling with a mounting waste management crisis. In an effort to address this pressing issue, the government approved a waste-to-energy (WTE) power plant project in Narayanganj, aimed at converting municipal solid waste into electricity. However, despite its ambitious objectives, the proposed 6 MW WTE plant in Jalkuri has been plagued by severe delays due to bureaucratic roadblocks, the absence of crucial contractual agreements, and ongoing political instability.

The project received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in 2020 but has yet to commence construction. One of the primary hurdles is the lack of a finalized Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), which has stalled progress and cast uncertainty over the project’s future. The delay comes at a time when urban waste accumulation has reached unsustainable levels, requiring immediate intervention.

The Narayanganj WTE power plant is a collaborative effort involving UD Environmental Equipment Technology Co. Ltd, Everbright Environmental Protection Technology Equipment (Changzhou) Limited, and SABS Syndicate Ltd. The facility is designed to generate 6 MW of electricity by incinerating solid waste collected from Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s broader strategy to implement sustainable waste management practices, as landfill space continues to shrink and environmental concerns grow. Authorities have emphasized WTE solutions as a viable alternative to conventional waste disposal methods.

The government allocated BDT 3.45 billion (approximately USD $37 million) for the development of the Jalkuri Sanitary Landfill and associated infrastructure. Of this amount, over BDT 3.30 billion was spent on acquiring 23.29 acres of land, with 10 acres specifically designated for the WTE power plant. Despite this significant financial commitment, bureaucratic bottlenecks have hindered the project from progressing as........

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