Bangladesh Embraces Renewable Energy to Ensure Sustainable Future

Strategic Insights -

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, Bangladesh is making significant strides towards a green energy revolution. The country aims to produce 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, thanks to initiatives like large solar and wind farms, and the widespread use of solar home systems. Energy expert engineer Khandkar Saleque Sufi notes that Bangladesh is "dreaming of a new green revolution through RE" to tackle climate change and ensure energy security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bangladesh aims to produce 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
  • The government has set targets for emissions reductions, supported by policies, renewable energy projects, and the widespread use of solar home systems.
  • The government-approved policy for enhancement of private participation in renewable energy-based power generation will help reduce carbon emissions and secure preferential trade benefits.
  • Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will purchase 20 percent of electricity produced by private generators, depending on demands.
  • Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) has fixed a target to generate 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2040 to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7).
  • The government has initiated the national solar rooftop programme to produce 3000 MW electricity from RE sources.
  • Bangladesh currently has a capacity to generate around 1616.4 MW off-grid and on-grid power from renewable sources, which is about 8 percent of the current demand.
  • SREDA estimated to produce 1322.41 MW electricity from solar power, 62.9 MW from wind, 230 MW from hydroelectricity, 0.69 MW from Biogas, and 0.4 MW from Biomass.
  • BPDB chairman engineer M Rezaul Karim said that they floated tenders for setting up 52 solar power plants across the country having 5200 MW electricity generation capacity.
  • SREDA member Dr Ashraful Alam said Bangladesh's total renewable energy production would stand at 4616.69 MW with production of 3000 MW more renewable energy.

Statistics:

  • Bangladesh aims to produce 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
  • Current capacity to generate around 1616.4 MW off-grid and on-grid power from renewable sources.
  • Estimated production of 1322.41 MW electricity from solar power, 62.9 MW from wind, 230 MW from hydroelectricity, 0.69 MW from Biogas, and 0.4 MW from Biomass.
  • Total renewable energy production would stand at 4616.69 MW with production of 3000 MW more renewable energy.
  • 5200 MW electricity generation capacity from 52 solar power plants.
  • Total number of Solar Home System under IDCOL's purview rose to 41,36,318 with 166 MWp capacity.
  • Total number of solar related power generation rose to 56,97,112 with 666 MWp capacity.

Sources:

  • BSS News Agency
  • Energy expert engineer Khandkar Saleque Sufi
  • Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA)
  • Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB)
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
  • IDCOL (Infrastructure Development Company Limited)