Dhaka Methane Leak Repairs, Bangladesh

In the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka, more than 21 million people (nearly 4 times the population of Atlanta) rely on natural gas to power their homes, businesses and factories. The local gas distribution company has a network that is old and in disrepair, resulting in significant release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas which is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a heat-trapping gas. 

To reduce and prevent natural gas leaks, the project financed the purchase and import of specialised equipment, called Leak Detectors and Hi-Flow Samplers, along with advanced sealant materials to ensure long lasting sealing of any leaks that were identified by the programme. To date, specially trained staff have checked more than 500,000 gas risers, identifying and repairing more than 37,000 leaks. Avoided losses of natural gas are enough to fuel a 119-MW power plant.

In addition to delivering emissions reductions to take climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers other benefits:

• Zero Hunger: 41 agroecological backyards implemented benefiting 41 families (166 people) in situations of social vulnerability received agroecological backyards to promote sustainable agriculture.
• Good Health and Wellbeing: 504,315 personal protective equipment donated in 8 Brazilian municipalities as a measure to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the local people and needy municipalities around the operations.
• Quality Education: 17 projects in 60 schools with 15,000 students impacted. Projects include the construction and renovation of 5 schools, including related infrastructure. Partnership with public education agents and teacher training. 150+ students benefited from technical training and the donation of 219 lab equipment kits. 800+ teachers supported by participating in Education Appreciation Program.
• Clean Water and Sanitation: New pipelines to serve schools and 30 new supply points for human consumption. 200+ people supported with sanitation system. 100 people benefited from systems that collect and store drinking water.
  
• Affordable and Clean Energy: Contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Clean electricity generated by these projects displaces electricity which would otherwise be powered by fossil fuels.