Bangladesh Hosts First Renewable Energy Fest at BUET

Bangladesh took a historic leap towards a sustainable future as the country’s inaugural renewable energy festival, the Renewable Energy Fest 2025, began on Wednesday at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).

Jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, Buet, and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), the two-day event is envisioned as a catalyst for a just and inclusive energy transition rooted in policy reform, technological innovation and robust youth participation.

The festival opened with a spirited inauguration ceremony, where dignitaries unveiled a symbolic sculpture reflecting Bangladesh’s renewable energy ambitions.

Attendees then explored the Innovation and Technology Fair, showcasing state-of-the-art green technologies and products developed by local entrepreneurs and corporations.

A central feature of the festival is the launch of the ‘Youth Hub’—a dynamic space for youth-led discussions, workshops, cultural performances, quizzes, and networking opportunities.

The inaugural session, “The Energy Awakening: Justice, Innovation, and Power to the People,” was presided over by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh.

Professor Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor of Buet, delivered the closing remarks, emphasising the role of academia in driving innovation.

Prominent guests in attendance included Dr Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Md Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and CFO of City Bank PLC; and Alamgir Morshed, CEO of the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL).

In a reaffirmation of national sustainability targets, stakeholders reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to achieving 15% renewable energy by 2030 and a 100% transition by 2050.

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Speakers called for finance-friendly, inclusive, and people-centred solutions to meet these bold goals.

Dr Krejza reaffirmed the European Union’s support:

“The EU has pledged €1.3 billion. We expect Bangladesh to increase its renewable energy usage, restructure its energy systems, and ensure political stability through democratic processes.”

Echoing the urgency, Farah Kabir stated:

“To meet the projected electricity demand of 58,410 MW by 2041, Bangladesh must invest heavily in renewable sources. This festival is a platform to align policymakers, investors, and youth around that vision.”

Md Mahbubur Rahman pointed to the critical need for streamlined financing, reduced bureaucracy, and smoother land acquisition.

Meanwhile, Alamgir Morshed advocated for tax reforms and low-interest green financing to accelerate renewable investments.

The opening day also featured three high-level policy dialogues on social and environmental implications, governance, infrastructure, women's participation, and youth engagement. The sessions—‘Power Talk: Leaders in Energy Transition’, ‘Energy Policy and Governance in Bangladesh’, and ‘Women in Renewable Energy’—set the stage for a roadmap towards future policy recommendations.

The second and final day of the festival will host three more policy dialogues and the much-anticipated ‘Power Pitch’ session, where emerging innovators will present their ideas to potential investors. The event will culminate in an awards ceremony recognising significant contributions to Bangladesh’s renewable energy landscape.

Among other notable attendees were Md. Ziaul Haque, Director at the Department of Environment; Nayoka Martinez-Backstrom, First Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) at the Swedish Embassy; Faizul Karim from the World Bank; Rayyan Hassan, CEO of Green Transition Solution; and Ibrahim Khalil Al Zayad, Chairperson of AAIBS.

The event also welcomed over 100 civil society organisations, development partners, environmental specialists, and members of the media, reports UNB.