Bangladesh, EU step up renewable energy push
The European Union (EU) and Bangladesh jointly intensifying efforts to expand renewable energy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security and sustainability, EU Ambassador Michael Miller said.
Speaking at a high-level event held in the capital on Monday titled “Boosting Renewable Energy in Bangladesh – From Design to Implementation,” he said energy security as a defining global challenge.
The ambassador also described the importance of accelerating clean energy deployment.
“What we see today is our shared determination to ensure energy security and investability for Bangladesh,” he said.
The event, hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in collaboration with the EU Delegation and Bangladesh’s Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, brought together key stakeholders from government, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector.
At the center of the initiative is the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility (BREF), a flagship program under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The facility aims to support large-scale renewable energy investments to help Bangladesh achieve its climate goals and transition toward a greener energy system.
The EU has committed €395 million to the public sector component, including a €350 million EIB-backed loan and €45 million in grants. Germany is contributing an additional €50 million alongside a €1.5 million technical assistance grant.
Overall, BREF is expected to mobilize around €700 million in investments, enabling the development of up to 750 megawatt-peak (MWp) of renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind.
The initiative also seeks to enhance grid resilience, promote decentralized energy systems, and support innovations such as dual land use and battery storage.
Nur Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Planning) of the Power Division, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the government and international partners.
He said such collaboration is vital to mobilize the scale of investment, expertise, and technical support required for a sustainable energy transition.
EIB representative Michael Steidl noted that the bank’s involvement reflects its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s low-carbon future. He emphasized the role of technical assistance in ensuring projects meet high standards and are financially viable.
German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz described BREF as a landmark partnership and encouraged Bangladesh to fully leverage its renewable energy potential.
The event also featured a detailed presentation on BREF and its technical assistance component, which is designed to accelerate project readiness and strengthen institutional capacity.
Dr. Andreas Wiese of GOPA Tech, the lead partner in the technical assistance consortium, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh through practical solutions and expertise aimed at advancing sustainable energy development.
