Energy News

Already burdened by unpaid dues amounting to at least Tk3,662 crore as of October 2024, the power producers warn that this latest move could cripple their ability to import fuel, leaving plants idle and triggering intensified load shedding.

In a way, Bangladesh maintains a vertically integrated state monopoly in the power sector. Although the generation segment was liberalised by the private sector power generation policy of 1996, the growth of private generation is fully controlled by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in terms of fuel type, location, size, and approval. There is no competition, as BPDB is the single buyer. Similarly, generation was segregated, and the distribution system was divided among government-formed distribution companies (DisCos) without any true freedom except self-governance within the franchise. BPDB is the single seller of electricity to the transmission company Power Grid Bangladesh (PGCB), which allocates power to the DisCos through the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC), which it controls.

The interim government has placed the 2508MW of imported electricity from India among its top priorities, as the tariff rate is comparatively lower than local generation costs.

“We have made major payments for the 1160MW of Indian electricity under bilateral agreements and continue regular payments for the 1348MW Adani Power import to ensure full capacity ahead of the hot summer,” Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Engr Rezaul Karim told Just Energy News on Monday.

Clean energy solutions require a significant commitment of capital from the private sector. Bangladesh Bank's low-cost green refinance schemes, offered at interest rates of up to five percent, can enable the private sector to channel this capital towards clean energy projects. These low-cost schemes increase the viability of clean energy projects as opposed to loans offered at market rates. However, information asymmetry, lack of awareness and lengthy disbursement processes prevent the proper utilisation of these schemes.

Despite Bangladesh's lofty aim of generating 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2040, the country faces a significant funding gap, as only 3.6 percent of the required funds were allocated to the sector in 2023, according to a study.

SunEdison blames top official of past regime for deal rescinding

Five years after the power-purchase agreement (PPA) was terminated, SunEdison USA has sought permission to build a 200-megawatt solar power plant in seaside Cox's Bazar.

The 1320-MW Rampal power plant, a joint venture between state-owned power companies of India and Bangladesh, shut down early Friday, drawing on the force majeure clause of the power purchase agreement between the parties.

Waste management remains one of the most pressing challenges for governments worldwide. According to available statistics, the waste generation rate in Bangladesh was estimated to be 0.52 kg per capita per day in 2021. Projections indicate that the daily waste generation rate is expected to rise to 0.80 kg per capita per day by 2030 and 1.19 kg per capita by 2041.

Dhaka, often grappling with poor air quality, has earned the grim distinction of having the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) score worldwide on several occasions over the last few months. The smog serves as a reminder of the environmental degradation driven by fossil fuels, the primary source of energy. While solar and wind power dominate discussions about cleaner alternatives, their limitations highlight the need for a more reliable solution. Nuclear energy, despite its efficiency and cleanliness, has been overshadowed by public fears and misconceptions. Regardless, nuclear power holds the potential to bridge the gap until solar and wind energy become more viable options in the long term or nuclear fusion is successfully achieved.

Bangladesh has asked Adani Power to fully resume supplies from its 1,600-megawatt plant in India, a Bangladesh official said, after more than three months of reduced sales with supplies halved due to low winter demand and payment disputes.

The richest nations, including the G7 countries, are failing to uphold their commitments to global renewable energy expansion.

Instead, they are increasingly investing in fossil fuel projects in developing countries such as Bangladesh, obstructing global carbon emission reduction targets.

Despite a severe foreign currency crisis, Bangladesh continues to pour billions into expensive, import-dependent fossil fuel projects—largely driven by Japan’s investments. While power plants remain idle due to fuel shortages, the burden of rising energy costs is pushing millions into poverty. Why is Bangladesh prioritising Japan’s energy agenda over its long-term sustainability?

In a bid to reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) is expediting the tender process for drilling 21 wells across various gas fields.
According to official sources, 21 out of the proposed 26 wells are either at the awarding stage or undergoing tendering.

Successful initiative to increase the use of renewable fuels as an alternative to fossil fuels

Model to help improve financial and living standards of climate-vulnerable women

The finance ministry has decided to clear all gas and electricity sector arrears within the current fiscal year by increasing the revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) outlay by reallocating unspent funds in the sector.