PM orders fast-track implementation of two waste-to-energy projects in Dhaka

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to expedite the implementation of two major waste-to-energy (WTE) projects in Aminbazar and Matuail, stressing timely completion and the adoption of advanced environmentally friendly technologies to strengthen sustainable waste management and power generation.

The directive came during a high-level review meeting held on Sunday morning (July 12) at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where the progress of both projects was assessed.

Officials said China's CMEC Group will invest in a 42.5-megawatt waste-to-energy plant in Aminbazar. The facility will process around 3,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily and is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by August 2028. The plant has been designed to generate power for at least 25 years.

Meanwhile, South Korea's B&F Company will implement a waste management and energy generation project in Matuail under the Dhaka South City Corporation. The project is expected to produce 15,000 tonnes of methane annually, generating around 81,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year, equivalent to approximately 221 megawatt-hours per day.

In addition to electricity, the Matuail project will produce solar energy, organic fertiliser, animal feed and eco-friendly bricks by processing 3,000 to 3,500 tonnes of waste daily. Officials said the initiative would significantly improve urban waste management while contributing to climate change mitigation and reducing global warming.

To ensure swift implementation, the Prime Minister instructed the Local Government, Power and Environment ministries to hold an inter-ministerial meeting and resolve any pending coordination issues.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including ministers, city corporation administrators and the Prime Minister's principal secretary.