Excelerate Energy has postponed the planned overhaul of its floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Bangladesh, known as “Excellence.” The scheduled maintenance, originally set for September, has been deferred until October 24 due to a request from Petrobangla. This decision is driven by concerns about a potential gas shortage ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for January 2024.
The FSRU Excellence has a substantial annual capacity of 3.75 million tonnes and has been operational since August 2018 without undergoing any servicing. After the completion of this maintenance, the FSRU’s capacity will be boosted by 20%, increasing its daily regasification capacity to 600 million cubic feet.
This delay, while aimed at ensuring a stable gas supply during a critical time, raises concerns among energy experts about potential technical issues and disruptions in the country’s energy supply. As of September 13, 2023, Bangladesh’s natural gas output stands at approximately 2.86 billion cubic feet per day, with 950 million cubic feet per day being re-gasified LNG. Business professionals should closely monitor the situation for any impact on energy stability in Bangladesh.