Researchers at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have made significant progress in producing diesel-rich bio-crude from human waste, sewage sludge and agricultural residues, opening up prospects for reducing Bangladesh's dependence on imported liquid fuels.
The research, led by Professor Dr Md Khalequzzaman of the Department of Civil Engineering, has been underway since 2016 with the participation of 13 researchers.
Initially, the researchers focused on producing petrol- and octane-range fuel-rich bio-crude from human waste and sewage treatment plant sludge. Laboratory experiments produced bio-crude with a yield of 50 to 55 percent.
Given Bangladesh's high dependence on imported diesel, which accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the country's liquid fuel imports and involves an estimated annual foreign exchange expenditure of US$3.5 billion to US$4 billion, the researchers later shifted their focus to producing diesel-rich bio-crude.
By mixing the waste with rice husk and sawdust, they have successfully produced bio-crude containing more than 50 percent diesel-range components, demonstrating the potential to replace a portion of imported diesel with locally produced fuel.
The research has so far resulted in more than 15 publications in international scientific journals, including Q1-ranked journals, according to the researchers.
The project received initial support from the government's Power and Energy Research Council about a year ago, which helped accelerate the experimental work.
The researchers are using Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) technology, which processes wet organic waste under high temperature and pressure without requiring prior drying. The process converts the waste into bio-crude, which can subsequently be refined into usable fuels.
The researchers said the technology could potentially meet around 30 percent of the country's diesel demand through domestic production, subject to successful commercial-scale implementation.
According to their estimates, establishing a commercial plant with a processing capacity of three tonnes per day would require an investment of around Tk 80 crore to Tk 120 crore. Commercial production could begin within a year of investment, they said.
Talking to BSS today, Professor Khalequzzaman said the project had already achieved successful results, with diesel-rich components accounting for more than 50 percent of the produced bio-crude.
"The technology has already gained scientific acceptance, with more than 15 research papers published in Q1 journals. It has the potential to meet around 30 percent of our import-dependent fuel demand," he said.
The researchers estimated that processing 25 to 50 percent of the country's human waste, sewage sludge and wet organic waste through the technology could replace around 10 to 15 percent of imported crude oil, potentially saving foreign exchange equivalent to Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore annually, he said.
Professor Khalequzzaman, however, said achieving the long-term target of replacing up to 30 percent of imported crude oil would require sustained research, adequate feedstock collection, technological improvements and phased commercial expansion.
Successful commercialization of the technology could help address two major national challenges -- waste management and energy security -- while reducing dependence on imported liquid fuels, easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves, minimizing environmental pollution and creating employment opportunities.
It could also encourage the development of domestic process-equipment manufacturing and engineering industries, paving the way for a new waste-to-fuel industry in Bangladesh.
The researchers stressed the need for government policy and financial support to take the technology from laboratory research to commercial production.
They proposed establishing an initial continuous HTL pilot plant with a capacity of one to three tonnes per day, along with technology validation, certification and development of an appropriate regulatory framework.
Following successful pilot demonstration, larger commercial plants could be established through public-private partnerships and private-sector investment, they said.
The researchers said the technology could also produce petrol, octane and kerosene in addition to diesel.
They said proper utilization of organic waste, which currently poses environmental and public health challenges, could turn it into a valuable domestic resource for future fuel production.
KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Masud told BSS that many promising research initiatives and innovations in Bangladesh remained confined to laboratories due to a lack of financial and logistical support for regular production.
"If the government provides financial assistance to take this technology to the production stage, it will benefit the country," he said.
Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, president of the Greater Khulna Development Sangram (Action) Committee, said the research achievement could benefit the country if the technology is implemented through the establishment of plants with government assistance.