Opt for Renewable Energy to Make Cities Livable: Experts

The event, titled "Role of Renewable Energy for a Livable City", was jointly organized by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), and Jet Net BD.

Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), chaired and moderated the session. The event featured Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, Head of the Department of Architecture at State University, as the Guest of Honor, and a keynote presentation by Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS.

In his keynote, Professor Majumder emphasized that Bangladesh’s rapid industrialization and urbanization are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are worsening air quality. He called for a shift to renewable energy sources to ensure a sustainable and livable urban environment.

Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi stressed the importance of reducing fossil fuel consumption, not just as a government responsibility but as a cultural awareness issue. He advocated for integrating renewable energy into urban planning and policies, ensuring clear timelines for implementation.

Md. Ziaul Haque, Director of Air Quality Management at the Department of Environment, highlighted the severe impact of air pollution from fossil fuels on public health and the environment. However, he remained optimistic, noting that with the right policies, air pollution could be controlled. He added that the department aims to generate 4,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030, but emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all ministries.

Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan noted Bangladesh’s immense renewable energy potential. He suggested increasing the use of renewable energy, adopting eco-friendly technologies in transportation and industry, and raising public awareness to build a greener, healthier Bangladesh.

Gaous Pearee, director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust (WBBT), echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that reducing fossil fuel reliance is essential to combat air, noise, and river pollution.

Legal expert Adv. Rasheduzzaman Majumder pointed out that while several energy plans have been made, none have successfully met renewable energy production targets. He called for better coordination among energy policies, particularly revising the Energy Master Plan 2023 in alignment with the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.

Abul Kalam Azad from ActionAid Bangladesh highlighted the need for energy security despite increased electricity generation capacity. He stressed the importance of reducing energy consumption.

Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, secretary of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, criticized the current energy policy for prioritizing business interests over public needs. He argued that rising electricity prices are unjustified and that public participation in energy policy formulation is essential.

Experts at the dialogue recommended gradually phasing out fossil fuels across all sectors—power generation, transportation, industry, and households—while increasing the production and use of renewable energy. They also urged the revision of existing energy policies to support the renewable energy transition, increased investment in solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas, and the enforcement of global emission standards for power plants and industries.

Finally, experts called for greater private sector involvement and the use of international funding to promote renewable energy initiatives.