BANGLADESH stands at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, it faces rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, erratic weather patterns and a higher frequency of natural disasters. These challenges threaten the country’s economy, ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions. To combat these threats, Bangladesh must embrace green energy as a cornerstone of its strategy. Transitioning to renewable energy offers a dual opportunity: mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainable development.

Climate crisis

BANGLADESH’S geographic and socio-economic conditions make it exceptionally vulnerable to climate change. With about one-third of the population living in coastal areas, rising sea levels pose an existential threat. Saltwater intrusion into arable land is already compromising agriculture, which employs 40 per cent of the labour force.

Moreover, extreme weather events like cyclones and floods are increasing in intensity and frequency, displacing millions and exacerbating poverty. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Bangladesh consistently ranks among the most affected countries by climate-induced disasters.

Bangladesh’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is, however, negligible — less than 0.5 per cent. The paradox of being a victim of emissions largely caused by industrialised nations underscores the importance of developing a resilient and low-carbon energy infrastructure within the country.

Case for green energy

GREEN energy, derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biomass, represents more than just a mitigation strategy; it is a comprehensive solution aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. For Bangladesh, adopting green energy offers numerous benefits that span environmental, economic and social dimensions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is critical for ensuring environmental sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources do not emit carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants, making them a cleaner alternative. This is particularly crucial for Bangladesh, where air pollution poses a growing threat to public health and environmental well-being. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the country can make significant strides in combating climate change and protecting its natural resources.

In addition to environmental benefits, renewable energy strengthens energy security. Bangladesh currently relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, leaving its economy vulnerable to fluctuating global energy prices. Harnessing the country’s abundant renewable resources can decrease dependency on imports, ensuring a more stable and self-sufficient energy supply. Economic opportunities also abound in the renewable energy sector. Investments in green energy have the potential to create thousands of jobs in areas such as manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research. Decentralising energy production through solar and wind systems can further empower rural communities, stimulate local economies, and foster inclusive development.

Improved access to energy is another compelling advantage of green energy. Technologies such as solar power are particularly suited to off-grid applications, addressing the needs of rural areas where extending the national grid is often impractical and expensive. Decentralised solar energy systems can provide affordable and reliable electricity, transforming lives by enabling better education, healthcare, and economic activities. By embracing renewable energy, Bangladesh can tackle pressing challenges while advancing toward a greener, more equitable, and prosperous future.

State of renewable energy

BANGLADESH has already made some progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar power. The Infrastructure Development Company Limited has installed over six million solar home systems across rural areas, benefiting more than 20 million people. The country has also launched initiatives to develop solar mini-grids, solar irrigation systems, and rooftop solar solutions.

Despite these successes, renewable energy constitutes only about 3 per cent of Bangladesh’s total energy mix. The government’s Power System Master Plan 2016 originally prioritised fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas, to meet growing energy demands. However, recognising the environmental and financial costs, the government needs to revisit its approach to emphasise renewables.

Challenges to scaling green energy

WHILE the potential for green energy in Bangladesh is immense, several challenges must be overcome to fully realise its benefits. Financial constraints are among the most significant barriers, as renewable energy projects demand substantial initial investments. For a developing country like Bangladesh, mobilising the necessary resources can be daunting, particularly in the absence of favourable financing mechanisms. The lack of incentives for private sector investment further compounds the issue, leaving many promising projects underfunded or stalled.

Policy and regulatory barriers also hinder the growth of green energy. Despite progressive measures such as the Renewable Energy Policy of 2008 and the goal to generate 10 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2030, the pace of implementation has been slow. Streamlining regulatory frameworks, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and introducing more robust incentives are essential steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption. Technological limitations pose additional challenges, particularly the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy, which requires advanced storage solutions and modernised grids for effective integration. Unfortunately, Bangladesh’s current energy infrastructure is not yet equipped to handle large-scale renewable energy deployment, necessitating significant upgrades.

Land availability is another critical issue in a densely populated country like Bangladesh, where space for large-scale solar and wind farms is scarce. Innovative solutions, such as installing floating solar panels on water bodies, could help address this constraint, but these technologies require additional research and investment. Public awareness and acceptance further complicate the transition to green energy. Many people remain unaware of the benefits of renewable energy or are sceptical of its feasibility. Comprehensive education campaigns and active stakeholder engagement are crucial to building public support and driving behavioural change. Addressing these challenges through coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society is essential for scaling up green energy and advancing toward a sustainable energy future in Bangladesh.

Pathways to green energy future

TO OVERCOME the challenges and unlock the potential of renewable energy, Bangladesh must adopt a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. Policy reforms and incentives are a crucial starting point. The government should revise its energy policies to place a stronger emphasis on renewables by introducing measures such as feed-in tariffs, tax breaks, and subsidies for renewable energy projects. These steps can create an attractive environment for private investment. Clear and consistent policies are essential to instil confidence among investors and developers, ensuring long-term commitment to the sector.

International collaboration offers another pathway to progress. Bangladesh can leverage support from organisations like the Green Climate Fund and enter bilateral agreements with renewable energy leaders such as Germany and Denmark. These partnerships can provide much-needed technical and financial assistance to finance and implement large-scale projects. At the same time, innovation and technology transfer will be vital in addressing the technological gaps. By investing in research and development and fostering collaborations with global technology leaders, Bangladesh can acquire and adapt advanced renewable energy technologies.

Encouraging local innovations, such as solar-powered boats and community-based micro grids, will also play a key role in creating tailored solutions for the country’s unique challenges.

Capacity building is equally important to ensure the sustainability of the renewable energy sector. Developing a skilled workforce through training programmes and academic courses focused on renewable energy technologies and project management will help build local expertise. This will not only strengthen the sector but also create employment opportunities for thousands of Bangladeshis. Alongside this, community-centric approaches should be prioritised to foster local acceptance and ownership. Engaging communities in the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects ensures their sustainability. Community ownership models, such as cooperatives managing solar mini-grids, can enhance social equity and provide direct benefits to those involved.

Finally, private sector participation is indispensable for scaling renewable energy efforts. Public-private partnerships can mobilise the resources and expertise required for large-scale projects. The private sector’s ability to drive innovation, streamline processes, and manage risks makes it a valuable partner in achieving Bangladesh’s renewable energy goals. By combining these strategies, Bangladesh can chart a sustainable energy future, addressing its environmental challenges while promoting economic and social development.

Vision for future

IMAGINE a Bangladesh where solar panels glisten on rooftops, wind turbines spin along coastal areas, and rural communities thrive with access to clean and reliable energy. Renewable energy can power industries, schools, and hospitals, reducing carbon footprints while driving economic growth. The vision is not just aspirational; it is achievable with concerted efforts.

The energy transition in Bangladesh is shaped by political ambition and economic necessity but faces significant obstacles, including fossil fuel dependency, financial barriers and governance challenges. A balanced approach that integrates renewable energy development with equity and affordability considerations is essential for a successful transition. Green energy represents a transformative opportunity for Bangladesh to address the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and energy demand. By prioritising renewable energy, Bangladesh can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security and foster sustainable development. However, achieving this vision requires bold leadership, robust policies and collaboration across sectors. As a climate-vulnerable nation, Bangladesh has a moral imperative and a practical necessity to lead the transition to green energy. The time to act is now — for the sake of the environment, the economy and future generations.

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