Reza Mahmud :
Despite immense potential, the vast opportunities for generating substantial energy from renewable sources in Bangladesh remain largely untapped, largely due to a lack of promising efforts, experts have stated.
In 2017, Bangladesh embarked on its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of a 3 MW solar power plant in Sharishabari, Jamalpur. Since then, the nation has only added 459 MW of renewable energy to its national grid.
According to the Bangladesh government’s Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2022–2041, which was presented at the Conference of Parties (COP26), the target for renewable energy capacity by 2030 is set between 6,000 MW and 16,000 MW. Currently, only 535 MW of electricity is being produced from renewable sources.
This indicates that the country must generate approximately 5,500 MW more in the next six years to meet even the lower end of its global commitment.
Sources indicate that Bangladesh has the capacity to produce 25,581MW of electricity, primarily from fossil fuel-based power plants. In contrast, only a minimal amount is generated from clean, green, and renewable energy sources.
The country’s lone hydropower station at Kaptai generates 230 MW, while the sole wind power plant in Cox’s Bazar produces 60 MW. Additionally, 459 MW is contributed by ten solar power plants.
“Experts attribute the slow progress in renewable energy development to insufficient governmental support.
Despite the establishment of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) in 2012 to promote renewable energy, its effectiveness has been limited.”
When contacted, energy expert Professor M. Shamsul Alam told The New Nation, “The energy sector has been transformed into a plunder-oriented business.
A group of oligarchs has dominated the sector, exploiting it as a business for quick financial gains, thereby ensuring that the potential for generating renewable energy remains untapped.”
Professor Alam further elaborated, “As the deadline for achieving the target of generating the remaining 5,500 MW of renewable energy approaches, we may witness a flurry of projects initiated in haste, primarily aimed at making quick profits.”
He pointed out that while the typical production cost from solar systems is only Tk 4.50 per unit, this cost could be unjustifiably inflated as the deadline nears due to last-minute rush efforts.
In the 2022–23 fiscal year, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) reported an average production cost of Tk 11.33 per unit.
Experts urge everyone to speak out against what they describe as a ‘plundering system’ within the energy sector, which has significantly harmed both the national economy and the well-being of the populace.
Energy expert Professor Dr. Ijaz Hossain, when contacted, stated, “The imposition of a 37 percent tax on importing inverters, which are crucial for establishing renewable energy stations, has undoubtedly discouraged investors in this sector.”
He further explained that the import tariffs on solar panels and other essential materials are considerably higher in Bangladesh compared to international standards, adding to the investment challenges.
Dr. Hossain also criticized the government’s treatment of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), stating that it has been rendered ineffective and powerless, thus hindering the progress of renewable energy initiatives in the country.
Energy expert Professor Dr. M. Tamim, in his conversation with The New Nation, expressed concerns about the slow pace of renewable energy project implementation, indicating that the target of producing 6,000 MW of electricity from this sector is unlikely to be met.
He emphasised that any renewable project requires at least three years to begin generating electricity, and many proposed projects have yet to see the light of implementation.
According to Dr. Tamim, private entrepreneurs have hesitated to advance their projects in this sector due to uncertainties regarding the government’s commitment.
“The government must actively facilitate investment in the renewable energy sector from private entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mohammad Rashedul Alam, Assistant Director of SREDA, stated, “We are working as per the government’s directives to pave the way for sufficient renewable energy generation.”
He highlighted the need for exploring land suitable for solar, wind, and other renewable energy generation, which is mostly needed now.
Meanwhile, Nasrul Hamid, the State Minister for the ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources could not be reached after trying several times through cell phone to get his comment on this issue.