Pranto Chatterjee :
Bangladesh, a nation crisscrossed by an intricate network of rivers and adorned with rolling hills, holds within its terrain a vast, untapped potential for harnessing the power of its abundant water resources.
Yet, despite this inherent advantage, Bangladesh has only one operational hydropower project: the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station, inaugurated back in 1962.
This solitary project, contributing a mere fraction to the country’s energy needs, falls significantly short of the global average for hydropower utilization, highlighting the immense opportunity for further development.
Hydropower, often hailed as one of the most reliable and cost-effective sources of renewable energy, utilizes the natural force of flowing water to spin turbines and generate electricity.
Its appeal lies not only in its sustainability but also in its versatility, as hydropower plants can produce electricity consistently throughout the day and can be easily adjusted to meet fluctuating demand.
Moreover, the environmental and social benefits of hydropower cannot be overstated, with its capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance water security, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods in rural areas.
The current government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has taken commendable steps to reduce load-shedding and increase electricity access in the country.
The government has also shown interest in investing in hydropower projects in neighboring countries, such as Bhutan and Nepal, to import electricity.
However, the government should also focus on tapping its own potential for hydropower, which is a more sustainable and secure option.
The government should also ensure that the hydropower projects are implemented with proper environmental and social safeguards, and that the local communities are consulted and benefited from the projects.
In Bangladesh, the potential for hydropower development is as diverse as the landscape itself.
Various regions across the country offer suitable conditions for establishing hydropower plants of different scales:
Chattogram Hill Tracts:
This region, characterized by its rugged terrain and abundant water sources, presents an ideal setting for the installation of small or micro-hydropower plants.
These plants, often employing indigenous technologies, hold the promise of bringing electricity to remote areas predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities who have long been marginalized in terms of access to grid electricity.
A study conducted by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) identified 27 potential sites for micro-hydropower plants in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, with a combined capacity of 1.3 MW, underscoring the significant impact such initiatives could have on local communities.
Rivers and Waterways:
Bangladesh boasts an extensive network of rivers, totaling 232 in number, with a reasonably consistent flow rate throughout the year.
These rivers offer ample opportunities for the establishment of small-scale hydropower projects, particularly in remote areas where access to grid electricity is limited.
By harnessing the power of these rivers, Bangladesh can address the energy needs of its rural population while simultaneously reducing reliance on expensive and environmentally damaging alternatives such as diesel generators.
Major Rivers:
In addition to its numerous smaller water bodies, Bangladesh is also home to several major rivers, including the Padma, Jamuna, Meghna, and Karnaphuli, which hold immense potential for large-scale hydropower generation.
Even minor rivers, canals, and waterfalls contribute significantly to the nation’s hydropower potential. For example, the Sangu River, flowing through the Bandarban district, boasts a potential capacity of 10 MW, highlighting the untapped resources waiting to be harnessed.
Border Regions:
Areas bordering neighboring countries, such as Myanmar, offer further opportunities for hydropower development.
Projects like the Laymro and Sai Din plants, situated near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, not only contribute to Bangladesh’s energy needs but also facilitate regional cooperation and connectivity as part of broader economic corridors.
A strategic focus on hydropower development holds the promise of substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits for Bangladesh.
By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, hydropower can play a pivotal role in the country’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.
With Bangladesh’s peak electricity demand projected to rise significantly in the coming years, investing in hydropower infrastructure presents a viable solution to meet this growing need while simultaneously reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
The Bangladesh government has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to electricity and promoting renewable energy sources.
Investments in hydropower projects, both domestically and through collaborations with neighboring countries, reflect a forward-thinking approach to energy security and environmental sustainability.
However, realizing the full potential of hydropower in Bangladesh requires not only continued governmental support but also active engagement with local communities and adherence to rigorous environmental and social standards.
In the broader context, hydropower stands as a linchpin of Bangladesh’s vision for sustainable development.
By harnessing its abundant water resources, the nation can achieve energy security, foster economic growth, protect the environment, and promote social equity.
The progress witnessed in the power sector in recent years instills confidence in the government’s ability to navigate towards a future powered by clean, renewable energy sources.
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards realizing the untapped potential of hydropower. Through strategic investments, visionary leadership, and inclusive development policies, the nation can unlock a future defined by clean, reliable, and sustainable energy. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, Bangladesh has the opportunity to emerge as a global leader in the transition towards a greener and more prosperous future powered by the force of its rivers.
(The writer is a former ICCR scholar, columnist, researcher, and holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from NIT Durgapur, India.)