Renewables crucial for Bangladesh energy security

“Bangladesh is making strides for green energy revolution to tackle climate change and energy security, despite its current reliance on fossil fuels,” said energy expert engineer Khandkar Saleque Sufi.

He said Bangladesh aims to produce 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and has set targets for emissions reductions, supported by policies, renewable energy projects like large solar and wind farms, and the widespread use of solar home systems. 

“Bangladesh has taken many befitting initiatives to increase RE share in the mix energy to build sustainable future of energy. When the world is facing two major challenges such as climate change and energy security, Bangladesh is dreaming of a new green revolution through RE,” Sufi observed.

The renewable energy has opened a new door of prospects for Bangladesh when fossil fuels effect on the environment harmfully, he mentioned. 

Apart from this, the government approved a policy for enhancement of private participation in renewable energy based power generation. The policy is aimed at boosting private sector participation in electricity generation for the export oriented industries including textile and ready-made garments (RMG) industries in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

Official of the power division said the policy would help the RMG and textile sectors reduce carbon emissions and secure preferential trade benefits, including carbon levy exemptions from European markets starting in 2027.

Under the policy, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will purchase 20 percent of electricity produced by private generators, depending on demands.

The green energy has also been putting role to create employment, develop rural economy and technology transfer as well.

The government also approved the Renewable Energy Policy 2025 to promote green energy in the country to increase 20 percent stake of RE in total electricity generation by 2030.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) also 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).

As part of the initiative the government has initiated the national solar rooftop programme to produce 3000 MW electricity from RE sources, said Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.

According to SREDA, Bangladesh currently had 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 and 5.6 percent of the country's total capacity of 30,787 MW.

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.

“We are now evaluating tender documents for those power plants. Then we can find how many tenders will be eligible for installing solar plants,” he said.

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.

He said, huge potential lies in the coastal areas and some flatlands of Bangladesh, especially in the areas of offshore wind energy.

The government has been trying to attract investment in this sector through research and pilot projects. Although the scope for hydropower generation is limited in Bangladesh, but there is a possibility of setting up small-scale projects in hilly areas and tea gardens, he added.

In addition, import of hydropower from neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan is also being actively considered. In continuation of this, small-scale hydropower imports from Nepal have already started. 

The interim government repaid an amount of Tk. 18,631 crore as outstanding foreign power bill against electricity imports.

Bangladesh government took various steps to save expenditures related to different power projects and so far Taka 6,479 crore was saved. 

Individuals, companies or any investors can apply for installation of rooftop solar panel and generate electricity following the government formulated guidelines, SREDA director M Muzibur Rahman said.

According to state-run Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) the total number of Solar Home System under its purview rose to 41,36,318 with 166 MWp capacity, while the number of Solar Home System under TR-KABITA programme, initiated by Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, rose to 12,21,023 with 49 MWp capacity.

It said the number of Solar AC/DC system is now 37439 with 19 MWp, 300,742 with 20 MWp under solar street lights programme, 1523 with 42 MWp of Solar Irrigation programme, 36 Rooftop Solar projects with 83 MWp, 26 Solar Mini Grid projects with 5 MWp and Grid tie solar parks 5 with 284 MWp.

IDCOL said the total number of solar related power generation rose to 56,97,112 with 666 MWp capacity.

The revised RE policy said electricity distribution companies will cover their commanding areas for electrification through mini, micro, nano, and pico solar grids or hybrid systems incorporating renewable energy sources, where electrification by the national grid is not feasible. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission would determine the electricity distribution tariff.

The policy authorised SREDA to serve as a nodal agency under the power division, with tasks of coordination, management, and oversee all grid-connected and off-grid renewable projects.

International Renewable Energy Agency’ (IRENA) latest report suggested 10 countries appeared as leading nations in producing and using all existing renewable energy sources- solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass.

Of them China is generating 3,749TWh (terawatt hour) renewable electricity followed by the United States at 1,493TWh and Brazil at 940TWh.

India with 405TWh, Canada with 388TWh, Germany with 254 TWh, Japan with 239TWh, Russia with 198TWh, Norway with 140 TWh and Spain with 130TWh, reports BSS.